Claim Letters and Notes - What You Need to Put In Writing...

Claim letters aren’t the only things you need to put in writing. Make sure everything is in writing. This is important for reasons that will help you and your case, directly and indirectly.

Not only does it make you look organized, but it means you actually are organized. It also means every last piece of communication is easily confirmed and referred to. This is why claim letters are letters, and not phone calls.

You'll need the insurance adjuster to be able to study and refer to your claim letter during the time your claim is open. If claims were handled entirely over the phone, cases would rest on how well the adjuster took notes. Having your story in writing assures that the adjuster will regularly be faced with your side of the story.

You'll want to have other things in writing too. You want to make accident notes, injury notes and notes on conversations with witnesses. This is information that'll come into play later on, especially if your case goes to court.

Imagine if you have written notes started on the day of the accident, and the defendant is relying on memory only. Who is the judge more likely to believe?

The insurance adjuster needs to be shown how organized you have been from the beginning. Fill your claim letter with your detailed notes, and you'll impress the adjuster with the knowledge and information you've gathered. And don’t believe for a second that it won't.

Other things that'll help your claim letter are notes and documents from other people. You don’t want to simply relate from memory what the police officer said, you want to quote from the actual police report.

The same is true for your medical records, reports and bills. These things should be referred to directly, so that the adjuster knows your case is based on documented facts, not just your memory.

Don’t forget that there are damages other than medical. Get documentation from your Human Resources department for any days of work you missed. Make sure this includes information on the pay you lost as a result of those missed days.

While you want to keep your personal notes for yourself, you should include any damage confirmation documents with your claim letter. Only send copies though, and keep the originals for yourself. You'll also want to state in your letter that those documents are included.

Still have questions about claim letters or any other documentation? Click Here.


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