4 ways to file an insurance claim

There are many unfortunate situations in life that could lead you to make an insurance claim. You might be involved in an at-fault accident, your basement may flood, or the airline could lose your luggage when you return from vacation.

None of these situations are fun, and no one wants to put forth an insurance claim, but luckily insurance companies are always working on making the process easier for you. Many insurers offer their customers some different options to put forth claims.

Filing your claim by snail mail

For those that like to do things old school, insurance companies still accept claims via postal mail. Just note that doing so generally takes longer than using email. When choosing this method, ensure that you send in all necessary documentation promptly to speed up the process.

Calling your broker

One of the most common ways of filing a claim is by speaking with your insurance broker over the phone. This method allows you to give a detailed explanation of your claim and allows your broker to advise you on how to proceed. This is a great route to take if you have a question about your claim, as you can get on the spot answers without having to wait for emails to be sent and received.

Using your insurer's website

Another common avenue for filing a claim is through your provider’s website. You can go to your insurer’s website and begin your claim, any time of day, any day of the year. To put a claim forth online, look for the “claims” button near the top of your provider’s website. Not only will this lead you to the appropriate claims tool, but it will also give you information on other claim options on this list.

Utilizing their smartphone app

With the ever-evolving world of technology, more and more insurance companies are developing smartphone applications. These apps are often available for both Apple and Android phones through their respective application stores and give users the ability to file claims. Most insurance apps have several other features, but for filing a claim, work similarly to email.