Filing Insurance Claims
notification could nullify the adjuster’s ability to document property conditions at the time of injury.
If you are served with a lawsuit, it is
critical to notify your insurance carrier immediately. By the time the papers land in your hands, the clock is already tick- ing. In most jurisdictions, you have 20 or 30 days to respond to a summons and complaint. Your carrier needs to have the maximum time available to provide the proper support.
In fact, failure to notify your carrier in
time to meet the response deadline may be a violation of your insurance contract, which may void the carrier’s responsibil- ity to provide coverage. If you are served, immediately email or fax a copy of the summons and complaint to your claims department and agent. In the email message (or on the fax cover sheet), note the date and time of service and the name of the person served.
Step 3. Let your adjuster handle the claim. Insurance claims make terrible DIY projects. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant an incident may appear, it is vital to let your carrier handle it. The premium you pay includes the services of the carrier’s claims department and its experienced adjust- ers. They represent your interests and will work with you to resolve the claim quickly and achieve the best possible outcome for your business.
Once you have notified your agent
or carrier, stay in close communica- tion throughout the process, follow their instructions, and respond to their requests promptly. While the process unfolds, here are a few things you should avoid doing:
• Don’t give out information. It’s best to avoid discussing the claim with tenants, visitors, witnesses, or another party’s lawyer or insurance
company. Let your adjuster do the talking. Don’t give out information about the incident, investigation, or potential settlements. If you are contacted by someone seeking this type of info, advise them to contact your claims adjuster directly.
• Don’t admit liability. It’s important to avoid saying anything that could be construed as admitting liability for property damage or bodily injury. For example, if a tenant’s belongings are damaged from rain coming through a leaking roof, don’t say something like, “Well, we should’ve had the roof inspected” or “Don’t worry, we have insurance.”
• Don’t make volunteer payments. Volunteer payments are when you offer to make a deal with the tenant to cover the damage yourself. Making this type of payment without consult- ing your insurance agent or carrier could nullify your coverage. If that happens, you may be responsible for paying for any resulting claims, legal fees, or court-ordered damages, which could be quite costly and jeop- ardize your business.
When bodily injury or property
damage happens at your facility, it can be frustrating and upsetting for every- one involved. Remember that your insurance carrier’s claims department is staffed with experienced professionals who will look out for your best interests and guide you through the process quickly and efficiently. Working with your adjuster to begin the investigation as soon as possible and following their instructions during the process can help resolve the claim quickly and result in the best available outcome for your self- storage operation.
Mike Schofield is the chief revenue officer of Jencap Program Administrators, a program division of Jencap Group that includes MiniCo Insurance and other companies. He has over 23 years of specialized experience in the self-storage industry and frequently participates in industry events as a speaker and panel member.
66 August 2023 •
MiniStorageMessenger.com
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