How Your Claim Will Be Processed
Most people, including those who have filed claims, have little or no idea how claims are processed. When you have a claim to file, it pays to know what's going on, especially when damages are substantial. Here's what happens when you file a claim:
- To start the claim process, you first need to report the claim to Mennonite Aid Plan, usually by a simple phone call. Our claims staff will take down the basic information on the loss. It is important to report the claim as soon as possible, because delays in reporting the claim can jeopardize your coverage or cause problems in the handling and outcome of the claim.
- The first thing our claims person must do is to verify your coverage to see if the policy covers what happened. He or she can explain to you what coverages might apply to your claim. Don't be shy about asking questions.
- Next we will begin to investigate the claim in order to determine what happened. The investigation process can take hours or weeks, depending on the nature and size of the claim.
- Property claims may be handled one of two ways, depending on the type and severity of the loss. Some claims can be completed by phone and mail. After calling our office to describe the loss, we will send out the necessary claim form(s) for you to complete and return with documents supporting the loss that we have requested. We may use the services of a property replacement firm to help in the replacing of some of your damaged or stolen items.
- For other, more serious claims, after you call our office to report a loss, we may assign an independent claims adjuster from your area. An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess the damage. The claims adjuster will call you as quickly as possible to arrange a convenient time to meet with you and inspect the damage. Usually the more information you have about the damage to your home and belongings, the faster your claim can be settled.
- Sometimes an estimate from a contractor is necessary. We recommend you get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on any repair work. Their bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line by line basis. If a contractor is involved, the claims adjuster will attempt to meet with them to discuss how the repairs will be made and to reach an agreement on the scope and dollar amount of the loss. Every attempt is made to reach an agreed price with the contractor and resolve any discrepancies. When the costs with the contractor is agreed upon, an estimate is prepared and a proof of loss will be prepared for your signature. If new developments arise on your claim, please contact our office or the claims adjustor as soon as possible. If additional money is owed, a supplemental estimate will be prepared.
- We will process your claim as soon as all pertinent information is returned to us - that is, when we either receive your completed claims form(s) or the adjuster's report.