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Library - Insurance
Rights of Policyholders
HELPFUL TIPS FOR YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM
It pays to know the basic rules governing
your insurance claim. The following is a summary from the Department
of Insurance:
1. State law requires your insurance companies to
assist you, the policyholder, in determining the amount the insurer
owes you. This includes disclosing all benefits, coverages, or time
limits in your insurance policy that may apply to your claim.
2. Every insurance company claims adjuster or agent
must furnish the claimant with a complete response within 15 days
upon receiving any communication from a claimant that reasonably
suggests that a response is expected.
3. It is illegal for any insurer to discriminate in its
claims settlement practices based on race, gender, income, religion,
language, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or physical
disability, or upon the territory of the property or person insured?
State law provides that upon receipt of proof of claim, every
insurer shall accept or deny the claim or give written notice
regarding additional information that is needed.
4. State law requires that upon acceptance of a claim,
the insurer shall tender payment of the undisputed amount within 30
calendar days.
5. State law prohibits an insurer from delaying or
denying the settlement of a claim with its policyholder on the basis
that the responsibility for payment should be assumed by someone
else.
6. Insurance companies are prohibited from requiring
you to use non-original equipment in the repairs of your vehicle
unless the parts are equal to the original equipment with respect to
kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance and the insurance
company warrants the same.
7. If non-original equipment is used in the repairs of
your vehicle, such parts must carry permanent, non-removable
identification so as to identify the manufacturer.
8. Replacement costs under a homeowner's policy means
that the insurer must replace all items in the damaged area so as to
conform to a reasonably uniform appearance. Any consequential
physical damage incurred in making the repair or replacement, not
otherwise excluded by your policy, must be included.
©
Law Offices C. Joe Sayas, Jr.
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