A Step-by-Step Guide to the Claims Process and How to Cope

1. A Step-by-Step Guide to the Claims Process and How to Cope

2. As a State Farm Customer, your insurance policies can protect your from both accidents and disasters. In the event that you encounter this situation, your insurance agent will assist you in filing an insurance claim.

3. What Is An Insurance Claim? • An insurance claim is a process in which you and your agent will file a claim for losses you have sustained in order to reimburse you financially and to help you to return to a state of normalcy. • An insurance claim can come from: • A car accident • A theft or robbery • A home disaster such as a fire or flood • A natural disaster

4. The first step in the claims process is to report the claim. • In the event of a car accident or theft, most customers usually begin the process by reporting the incident to the proper local authorities. While this is not necessary, it does provide you with extra proof of the incident and the details of the situation. • If the incident at hand does not require alerting the authorities, you should first report the incident to your insurance agent. This can be done over the phone, in one of our offices, or online on your home computer.

5. The second step in the claims process is to have the claim filed with your insurance agency. • Once you have reported your claim to your insurance agent, they will ask the appropriate questions and fill out the necessary paper work in order to begin your claims process. • If you reported your incident to local authorities, you must also alert you insurance agent. At that time, your agent will be able to begin your claims process.

6. At this point, your claim is being investigated and handled by your insurance company and agent to insure that you receive full compensation and assistance necessary for the nature of your claim.As the customer, you may want to check on the status of your claim. You can do so by going online or by contacting your local agent.

7. Once your claim has been processed, you will receive compensation for the losses you have incurred due to you accident or disaster. • For most customers, once their claim has been processed, the situation is over and they are able to return to their everyday lives. • However, for some customers, due to the severity and nature of their incident, they may find it difficult to cope with the situation they have been placed in.

8. Although some individuals can find it difficult to cope, many of these individuals will move through the normal coping stages and be able to move on from the incident. • For other individuals however, they may be dealing with excessive stress or trauma that could lead to serious problems and disorders if not addressed. • For these individuals, it is recommended that they seek outside help, when necessary, in order to seek help in dealing with these feelings.

9. Seeking Further Assistance • For some customers, the support they receive from their insurance agent is enough of a helping hand to get them through this difficult time. • For other customers, they may develop stress or anxiety disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, due to the nature and severity of their incident. • If you or someone you know is dealing wit severe issues such as these, it is recommended that you seek treatment, possibly in the form of a support group or therapeutic sessions, in order to cope with and move on from the incident and return to your normal life.