There are many terrible situations that may occur in life which will necessitate a payment from your insurance company. This can go one of two ways. Your insurance provider could honor your claim and pay you in a timely manner. Or, your insurance company may refuse to pay. This article will discuss how to deal with this situation through both proactive and reactive methods.

Before an accident or incident occurs, there are a few things that you should make sure to do. It should go without saying, but make sure to have car insurance and to keep your card on hand in your car or on your person. One should also make sure that one’s home or apartment is also insured and that proper documentation is safely stored (I like to keep a copy with my lawyer).

If something terrible does occur, there are a few things that you should do and keep in mind. First, make sure that everyone is safe. While some disastrous situations may not allow it, do everything that you can to act lawfully. In a car accident especially, try to call the police and other necessary emergency personnel as immediately as is possible. Also as quickly as you can start to take as many pictures as is possible.

Sometimes your insurance company refuses to pay you. This always sucks. The most important thing to do when this situation befalls you is to get a lawyer and discuss your options. If the insurance companies have an army of lawyers, you should at least have one right? Based on this advice, you may need to write letters or get on the phone with various people.

I’m going to write this last but it might be the most important piece of this blog: always document everything. Never leave anything to work of mouth. At least take dated notes on phone conversations. This type of documentation can help you and your lawyer in defending your rights and getting you any compensation you deserve.