A claim supplement is a claim for additional repair or replacement costs. Supplements are common in the claims process. However, if you are a policyholder who does not know your policy rights, you could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars that you are entitled to collect.
Claim add-ons typically occur after the policyholder files a claim, receives payment, and completes repairs or replacements. Then, additional damage is discovered some time later.
Many people mistakenly think that once a claim is closed, it cannot be reopened. And, insurance companies and their adjusters usually aren’t quick to tell you how to file a claim supplement. So what is to be done? Let’s look at auto insurance claims and homeowners insurance claims.
For any type of supplemental claim, you must contact your insurance company and give them your original claim number. The best way to notify the company is in writing, sent by Certified Mail. That way, you’ll know who signed the letter. The insurer will have to reopen the claim. She may get the same wrapper as before, but maybe not.
Supplemental auto insurance claims
Many supplements occur when cars are being repaired. Often times, hidden damage is discovered when the body shop begins to dismantle the car. Therefore, while the insurance company may have issued payment to the body shop for the original repair estimate, it will issue a second check for the supplemental repairs. It happens all the time, it’s not a big deal.
However, sometimes post-repair problems don’t show up right away. A good example is the Air Conditioning system. If you are in a car accident in July, you may not notice your heater not working properly until the fall or winter. But when damages are discovered that may be directly related to the original insured loss, you can file a supplement. Simply document the damage and its cause and submit the supplement to the insurance company. There is no additional deductible, since you have already paid it once.
Homeowners Insurance Supplemental Claims
Homeowners, renters or business insurance claims may find the need for a supplemental claim for some of the same reasons found in auto insurance claims. Seasonal issues can result in damage related to the original loss. But, some other problems can arise. You may have an expert report showing additional damages attributable to the original loss. Your contractor may have found hidden damage that needs to be fixed. In either case, carefully document your claim and submit it to the insurance company.
Be sure to collect all the money you are entitled to collect. Use additional claims whenever your claim requires it.
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