My apartment got broken into on 9/11/07... I called today to make my claim and the insurance adj started asking me all these questions about our credit history. She wanted to know if we were behind on rent/loans etc. We (my fiance and I) are behind on ONE of our credit cards (one month) but we have been on time with rent/eletric etc. When I was 18 and in college I took out a credit card, then lost my job and it was sent to collections. I paid this off over a year ago but could that possibly effect us collecting our insurance money? We don't have perfect credit but I feel kind of offended about them asking like we made this all up because we can't pay our bills! We just purchased a Jeep in the beginning of August, set up a new car ins policy & as well as the renters ins. A police report was filed and everything but I want to know, are these normal questions for an insurance adj to ask?
2007-09-18 12:00:22 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
Yes, these are normal questions. Hopefully, your adjuster explained that these are standard questions that they must ask when investigating any loss. You'd be appalled at the number of fraudulent homeowner and renters insurance claims that are filed for supposed theft. I'm assuming that your claim rep took a recorded statement when they asked you these questions. They have an obligation to all policyholders to investigate every claim thoroughly to be sure that they are paying legitimate claims. When over 50% of all claims filed are exaggerated or bogus, you can understand why they have to ask those questions. Try not to feel insulted. Can you imagine what your premium would be if they paid every claim they received, including the fraudulent ones?
2007-09-18 12:21:27 · answer #1 · answered by Yo' Mama 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is standard procedure for a claim adjuster to ask these questions to make sure everything sounds like it's on
the up and up. I know it can seem a bit intrusive but
there is so much insurance fraud that goes on they are just doing their jobs. If they just paid every claim that came across their desks no questions asked then the rates
we pay for insurance would be even more outrageous.
2007-09-18 12:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by liv4rain 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately too many people like to solve their financial problems by committing insurance fraud. Theft claims are one of the popular was to commit fraud.
The vast majority of claims are innocent. But b/c of the few bad apples, the adjuster has to ask about your financial situation - especially if it's a large loss. Just be honest about your debt situation.
2007-09-18 12:19:10 · answer #3 · answered by Boots 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would bet that with the troubles in the economy right now, many people are resorting to insurance fraud to get some bills paid.
Don't be offended, and don't be worried.
Sorry to hear about your break in, hope all is ok now.
2007-09-18 12:18:55 · answer #4 · answered by Gem 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your credit history is NOT going to affect this claim.
I'd like to say they have no business asking those questions, but for a theft claim, if they suspect fraud, they will.
Just don't worry about it, and answer honestly.
2007-09-18 12:22:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋