Make Sure the Insurance Company Acts Promptly
Fortunately, insurance companies are required to handle claims in a timely manner. In California, for example, they must send you a “notice of intentions” within 30 days of receiving your claim. If there’s no dispute over your coverage, you’re entitled to payment within that time, too. If you haven’t heard from your company and you feel that it’s unnecessarily dragging its heels, write to it (and consider sending a copy to your state’s Department of Insurance). Insurance companies are less likely to string you along when they’re in the midst of a disaster and know that all eyes are on them.