Tucker added that there’s no educational requirement to work as an insurance representative, and each representative is usually assigned hundreds of claims. They’re oftentimes not located in California, so they may be unfamiliar or surprised with certain cost-of-living expenses or prices that policyholders may submit for reimbursement, Tucker said.
After receiving the claim, insurers have 40 days to either accept or reject a claim, but insurers can inform policyholders if they need more time or if they need more information, Tucker said.
Tips on Understanding Insurance Policies
Once they have a copy of their policies, policyholders should read them and write down any questions to ask the insurance representative, according to the panelists.
There are four main categories of coverage under a typical homeowners policy: dwelling coverage; coverage for “other structures” — like detached garages, septic systems, sheds, gazebos, and hot tubs; personal property coverage; and “loss of use” coverage for living expenses when a homeowner is displaced, according to the panelists.
