Types of Insurance Claims

There are just as many types of insurance claims as there are types of insurance. In exchange for insurance coverage, the policyholder makes insurance premium payments. At some point, a policyholder may need to contact the insurance company for help with a claim.

Some insurance claims must be filed with your own insurance company. You file other claims with someone else's insurance plan. The type of coverage purchased determines what insurance consumers can expect during the claims process.

You can file a claim for property damage, bodily injury, the death of a loved one, health care benefits, and premises liability, to name a few. Read on to learn more about different types of insurance claims.

Accidents and Injuries: Filing a Claim With Your Own Insurance Company

Insurance claims for accident-related policies must be brought in a short period after the incident. These types of policies include the following:

• Auto insurance policies
• Homeowners policy
• Liability insurance

Claims for accidents and injuries are among the most common types of insurance claims. Within this category, auto and home insurance claims are the most common, such as vandalism to your car or property damage due to a natural disaster.

Filing a claim for benefits under your insurance policy is a first-party claim. Claimants often file a claim within a short period after a covered event occurs.

Car Insurance Claims

You must file a claim with your insurance company if you're involved in a motor vehicle accident. It will depend on the circumstances of the case. The type of automobile insurance you purchase determines what the policy covers. 

Policyholders paying a higher premium likely have more insurance coverage. Some policyholders may buy comprehensive coverage and a low deductible.

Whether the accident resulted in property damage, physical injuries, or both determines how your insurer will handle the claim. Even if the other driver was at fault for your financial loss, you should report the accident to your insurance company. The other driver's insurance company may refuse to pay. If the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you'll want protection under your policy.

Types of insurance claims under an auto policy can include the following:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses for physical injuries
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Collision coverage
• Liability coverage

Your insurance agent may walk you through the process or provide a toll-free number to call to get the process started. Depending on the type of claim, you may work with an insurance adjuster.

Homeowners Insurance Claims

Under a homeowners insurance policy, you file claims with your insurance company. Property insurance covers damage to your property, such as wind damage during a storm or a pipe bursting in your kitchen.

You must also notify your insurance company if someone is injured while on your property. If that person sues you, your insurance company must defend you under the liability portion of your policy if your policy covers the claim.

You may also have personal injury protection coverage on your property. A personal injury rider adds liability protection to your policy. This coverage is different than coverage for personal injuries to the body. Personal injury protection covers situations such as the following:

• False arrest
• Wrongful eviction
• Slander
• Defamation
• Personal and advertising injury
• Legal liability

Without purchasing personal injury coverage, such damages could be exclusions to your standard homeowners' policy.

Renters Insurance Claims

Claims under a renters insurance policy function much the same as homeowners' insurance claims. With renters insurance, you usually only file a claim if your personal property is damaged or if someone sues you for injuries they sustain while on your property.

Accidents and Injuries: Filing a Claim with Someone Else's Insurance Company

You may need to file a claim with someone else's insurance company. This type of insurance claim is called a third-party claim. Third-party claims are more common among car and home insurance policies.

Third-Party Car Insurance Claims

If you were involved in a car accident that was someone else's fault, you may need to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company. That's why exchanging contact information and insurance information at the accident scene is critical. Reach out to the other driver for additional information if necessary.

A third-party claim is also appropriate if you were injured as either a passenger of one of the vehicles or as a bystander.

Third-Party Home Insurance Claims

Like auto insurance claims, you must file a third-party claim if you're injured while visiting someone else's home. In general, homeowners' and renters' policies cover injuries sustained by visitors. 

For example, if the homeowner or renter was negligent in maintaining the property or warning the visitor of a dangerous condition, the coverage can provide the homeowner or renter protection from liability claims. The insurer would defend and pay any legitimate claims.

Other Types of Insurance Claims

Although the process is similar among many types of insurance claims, there are some important differences to remember. Types of insurance claims can include the following:

• Earthquakes
• Title issues
• Boating accidents
• Pet injuries and illnesses
• Crop issues

More types of insurance claims are discussed below.

Life Insurance

Unlike other types of insurance claims, the insured does not file a claim for life insurance policy benefits. With a life insurance claim, an executor or beneficiary files a claim to obtain the life insurance policy benefits.

To file a life insurance claim, you must submit certified copies of the insured's death certificate. The claimant will also complete any other necessary forms. States often have specific timelines for when a life insurance claim must be paid out, such as within 30-60 days.

Health and Dental Insurance

For most types of insurance, you submit a claim to receive benefits. With health insurance and dental insurance, your provider submits a claim to the insurance company. The health plan provider then bills you for any outstanding cost not paid by your insurer. 

If you must submit your claim, contact the insurance company. They will provide the required forms and submit them along with an itemized bill from your provider.

Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program provides most flood insurance policies. However, insureds purchase flood insurance through private insurance companies. You file claims with your private insurance company, along with a Proof of Loss form.

For any type of insurance claim, review your policy, contact your insurer, or ask your insurance agent how to file an insurance claim correctly.

Know Your Rights During the Insurance Claims Process

Regardless of the type of insurance claim you submit, insurance companies must act in good faith. They must be prompt in processing your claim, among other requirements. 

Each state has a Department of Insurance. They regulate the insurance industry within the state. You can file a consumer complaint with your state's Department of Insurance.

You can also contact a local insurance attorney if you need help getting your insurance company to meet its obligations. An insurance lawyer can defend your rights during the claims process. They can help ensure your insurer abides by the terms of your policy or state insurance laws.