Navigating the Insurance Claims Process: What You Need to Know

Insurance Claims

If you’ve ever wondered what to do when something unexpected happens—like a car accident or damage to your home—you’re not alone. The insurance claims process can feel like a mystery until you find yourself needing to file a claim. At Keyes, we like to make things simple and easy for our customers. We’re here to help you through the process if you have to file a claim in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. In this simple summary, we’ve outlined what happens after an incident, how to file a claim, and how to make sure everything goes smoothly. The biggest thing to know is that our family is here to protect yours.

What Happens After an Incident?

First things first: breathe and take a second to recognize what had happened. Once everyone is safe and things have calmed down, the next step is to document what happened. If it’s a car accident, you’ll want to exchange details with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and jot down notes on how it happened. If it’s something like a fire or flood at home, take pictures of the damage and make a list of what’s been affected.

In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, it’s important to act quickly. Some policies have a time limit for reporting incidents—usually within 24 to 48 hours—so don’t wait too long to notify your insurance company.

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim might sound tricky, but it’s usually pretty straightforward. Most insurance companies allow you to file online, by phone, or through an app. When making your claim, be sure to have your policy number handy, along with any documentation you gathered after the incident.

Here’s a quick list of things you’ll typically need to file a claim:

  1. Your insurance policy number
  2. A description of what happened
  3. Photos or videos of the damage
  4. Police reports (if applicable)

The good news is that many insurance companies offer step-by-step support during this process. If you ever feel unsure, you can always call and ask for help from any of us at the Keyes family. We’re there to guide you through the process and help answer any questions.

The Role of an Adjuster

Once you file your claim, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. Adjusters are like detectives—they’re there to figure out exactly what happened and how much it’s going to cost to fix it. They’ll review your claim, visit the site (if necessary), and talk to you about the next steps.

It’s important to cooperate fully with your adjuster, providing them with any additional information they request. The faster they can gather the facts, the quicker your claim can be processed and resolved.

Tips for a Smooth Process

At Keyes, we’re keen to ensure you go through a smooth process and get things resolved quickly. Here are a few tips to help ensure the claims process goes as smoothly and doesn’t take up a lot of your time:

  • Document Everything: The more details and evidence you can provide, the better. This includes keeping receipts for repairs or replacement costs.
  • Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance company or adjuster if something’s unclear. They’re there to help.
  • Know Your Coverage: Take time to understand what your policy covers before you need it. This can prevent surprises later.
  • Be Patient: Some claims take longer to process than others. Stay in touch with your adjuster for updates, but also be prepared for the possibility of waiting.

Why Knowing the Claims Process Matters

Knowing what to expect when filing a claim is just as important as having insurance in the first place. Being familiar with the process helps reduce stress and ensures you’re prepared to handle anything that comes up. Whether you’re buying insurance for the first time or renewing an existing policy, understanding how claims work in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is important. And again, we’re here to help. The Keyes family prides itself on being there to support and protect you along the way. 

Final Thoughts

Remember, insurance is there to protect you when things go wrong. While the claims process might seem daunting at first, it doesn’t have to be. By staying calm, documenting the incident, and working closely with your insurance company, you’ll be back on track before you know it. Think of it as one of those life skills you hope you’ll never need but are glad you have when you do!

If you have any additional questions or need us to explain something in more detail, please reach out to one of our family members. You can also visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website here for more detailed information on the claims process. 

Keyes Insurance
Keyes Insurance
https://www.keyesinsurance.com/