Whether you’re facing an unexpected change in your life, you’re wondering if an incident qualifies as an insurance claim, or are just looking for some guidance, having a trusted insurance broker can be invaluable. You can trust them to help you assess your coverage needs and advise on decisions.
But, many New Yorkers still need to figure out exactly when to contact their insurance broker and which situations call for it. We’re here to help with that!
Before we get into specific situations when calling your insurance broker is the right move, know this: HCP is always happy to hear from our clients! We’re available to answer questions and discuss your options. Contact us today.
When to contact your insurance broker in New York
Here are some of the critical times to get in touch with your broker:
When you’re buying a new home or car
Your insurance broker can help you ensure all the necessary documents (such as birth certificates or vehicle titles) are on hand before contacting a carrier about coverage. Your broker can also help you understand any changes in premiums, deductibles, or other costs associated with your policy.
Of course, they’ll also help you find the right coverage at the right price, exploring options from multiple insurers and comparing coverage levels.
When you’re making a major life change
Your insurance policy and needs can undergo significant impacts due to life changes. These big changes include getting married, having a baby, starting a business, or moving to a new city.
You will always want to review your coverage in light of these changes. In these cases, your broker helps you assess the extent of the change and whether you need additional or different coverage. That way, you can be confident it’s still appropriate for your needs.
Importantly, your New York insurance broker will also help you consider any potential legal changes affecting your insurance policies when they review them.
When you’re considering filing a claim
If something has happened that might result in needing to file an insurance claim, your broker can help you understand the claims process and advise on any documents required. They can also advise on whether you will have success filing a claim.
Here are a few common examples of when you might make an insurance claim:
- A storm, accident, or other unexpected event damages your car
- You suffer an injury at work
- Someone takes legal action against you
- When you need to review your policy annually
- When a client or customer gets injured on your premises
- If your business property is damaged
- If your business operations are interrupted
When you’re starting a new business
Starting a new business is an understandably big undertaking, especially if you’re going to have a brick-and-mortar location. Not only are you worrying about things like set-up costs and staff, but there are also vital insurance considerations to remember.
Your broker can help you understand the coverage you need to protect your business and employees from potential risks. They can also explain any changes to the law in New York that could affect your policy, such as changes to liability limits, EPLI coverage, or NY workers’ compensation laws.
When you have questions about your policy and your New York insurance coverage
When in doubt, contact your insurance broker. They will help you understand the ins and outs of your policy, review coverage levels, provide advice on any changes that may be necessary, and generally answer questions about your insurance coverage in New York.
Of course, your broker is also there to provide support if there are any disputes or disagreements over claims and ensure you have all the paperwork you need to file a claim.
Documents to have on hand when you call your insurance broker
When you contact your insurance broker, having some key documents on hand will help the process go smoothly.
These will depend on what kind of coverage you have (for example, business insurance vs. personal insurance), but generally, some of the documents to have handy are:
- Proof of ownership for any property or vehicles
- Records concerning any legal actions taken against you
- Certificates and other evidence of any safety inspections required by the state
- Your current insurance policy paperwork
- Any paperwork regarding a claim you are filing
Having these documents ready helps your broker assess the situation quickly and advise on the best action. They can also provide more detailed advice, if needed, about specific types of coverage or how to manage risks associated with running a business in New York.
Remember, HCP Insurance is here to help you ensure your insurance coverage meets your needs.
Contact us when life changes, when making major life decisions, or if you have questions about your policy. We’ll provide advice and assistance in understanding the complexities of a New York insurance policy and making sure you have coverage you can rely on.
