Home Insurance

Home insurance is an expensive purchase for many Americans. This guide provides
information on how to make decisions that can lower the cost of your home insurance
and increase the value you receive.

Although home insurance is not required by law in most states, if your home is mortgaged, your lender may require the purchase of insurance on your home. To get the best value for your money, you must take responsibility for your home insurance purchase and make your own decisions.

The coverages offered to homeowners are typically contained in a package of liability and property coverages. This consumer guide principally addresses the
package of coverages found in a "homeowners" policy.

It does not address the more limited offerings of fire and extended coverages. It does not address the state special programs established to meet special needs, including availability. Contact your state’s insurance department for more detail about special conditions or programs in your state.

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Filing claims

Things to do before you file a claim:
Review your policy or employee booklet carefully to make sure the plan covers the service in question. If you have any reason to think a health care service may not be covered, or that your company disagrees with your understanding of the policy, talk it over first with your provider and with the insurance company. Resolving questions first can prevent problems later.

You should never assume your plan will cover a treatment or service. Follow your plan’s rules, including pre-certification requirements and use of network providers. Your provider may require you to make a copayment or pay your coinsurance at the time of visit.

Fill out any claim forms the provider or insurance company gives you. Be sure to include your policy number and other identifying information.

How to submit a claim yourself:

• Find out if your provider submits the claim for you or if you need to do it.
• If you need to do it, review the claim information to make sure it is complete and correct.
• File the claim as soon as you get the bill from the provider.
• Send it to the correct address.
• Keep a copy for your reference.
• Wait for your company’s statement before you pay your provider directly.
• Allow reasonable time for the company to process your claim. The company must inform you if it needs any additional information to complete the claim. Sometimes, it will request additional information directly from the providers; in other cases, it will return the claim form to you to get more information.

If the insurance company denies your claim:

• They should state the reason on your explanation of benefits.
• If you disagree with the reason for denial, check your policy or employee booklet for the company’s appeal procedures.
• The company should answer procedural questions about appeals over the phone. Call the company’s assistance line (the phone number should be listed on your statement).
• Submit your appeal in writing. The company may require information from your doctor.

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What to do if you can’t find auto coverage

Some drivers have a hard time obtaining insurance. This can result from a number of factors, including a poor driving record, type of vehicle, claims history, experience, etc.

There are insurance companies that write non-If your driving record prevents you from obtaining standard policies in this state.

They include:

• Allstate
• Dairyland
• Farmers
• Financial Indemnity
• Guaranty National
• Infinity
• Leader
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• Safeco
• Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin

If your driving record prevents you from obtaining a policy in the non-standard market, your agent or broker will contact the Automobile Insurance Plan on your behalf.

More than 55 years ago, the Washington State Legislature created this plan to provide auto insurance coverage to high-risk drivers who are unable to find coverage. To qualify for this special coverage, you must:

• Be a Washington state resident or a member of the U.S. military
• Hold a valid Washington state driver’s license
• Not have any debt from previous auto
• insurance coverage

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Filing claims insurance

Things to do before you file a claim:
Review your policy or employee booklet carefully to make sure the plan covers the service in question. If you have any reason to think a health care service may not be covered, or that your company disagrees with your understanding of the policy, talk it over first with your provider and with the insurance company. Resolving questions first can prevent problems later.

You should never assume your plan will cover a treatment or service. Follow your plan’s rules, including pre-certification requirements and use of network providers. Your provider may require you to make a copayment or pay your coinsurance at the time of visit.

Fill out any claim forms the provider or insurance company gives you. Be sure to include your policy number and other identifying information.

How to submit a claim yourself:

• Find out if your provider submits the claim for you or if you need to do it.
• If you need to do it, review the claim information to make sure it is complete and correct.
• File the claim as soon as you get the bill from the provider.
• Send it to the correct address.
• Keep a copy for your reference.
• Wait for your company’s statement before you pay your provider directly.
• Allow reasonable time for the company to process your claim. The company must inform you if it needs any additional information to complete the claim. Sometimes, it will request additional information directly from the providers; in other cases, it will return the claim form to you to get more information.

If the insurance company denies your claim:

• They should state the reason on your explanation of benefits.
• If you disagree with the reason for denial, check your policy or employee booklet for the company’s appeal procedures.
• The company should answer procedural questions about appeals over the phone. Call the company’s assistance line (the phone number should be listed on your statement).
• Submit your appeal in writing. The company may require information from your doctor.

Read more ...

Read More