Los Angeles Claims Adjuster Property and Causality Practice Exam

What must the insured do as part of their duties regarding the claim?

1. Wait for the insurance adjuster to initiate action

2. Report the claim as soon as possible

3. Provide no documentation

4. Negotiate settlements independently

The correct answer is: Report the claim as soon as possible

The insured is responsible for reporting the claim as soon as possible, which is a standard duty outlined in most insurance policies. Prompt reporting allows the insurance company to begin the claims process without unnecessary delays, ensuring that the incident is investigated while evidence is still fresh and any necessary adjustments can be made efficiently. Timely reporting also helps in meeting any specific timeframes stipulated in the policy, which, if neglected, could jeopardize the insured’s ability to receive coverage for their losses. This duty reinforces the idea that claims should be reported to the insurer immediately following a covered event in order to uphold the integrity of the claims process and facilitate a swift resolution. In other scenarios, such as waiting for the insurance adjuster to initiate action, or providing no documentation, these actions could hinder the claims process or even lead to denial of the claim. Additionally, negotiating settlements independently without proper guidance from the insurer is generally discouraged, as it can complicate the process and potentially undermine the insured's position.