Insurance Claims
Overview
A policy is only a promise until something goes wrong. The claim is the moment that promise is tested: the shop burns, the lorry overturns, the warehouse is broken into, and the insured turns to the insurer and says, in effect, now keep your word. How that request is made, checked and paid is the claims process, and it is where insurance either earns its reputation or loses it.
In this lesson you will follow a claim from the first phone call to the final cheque: what the insured must do, what the insurer must do in reply, and the two very different experts who may be called in to value the loss. You will learn why some claims are paid in full, why others are cut down, and why a few are turned away completely. Get this topic right and you understand how the whole promise of insurance is actually delivered.
Objectives
- Describe the claim procedure from notification of loss to final settlement
- State the duties of the insured when a loss occurs
- State the duties of the underwriter in handling a claim
- Distinguish the roles of the loss assessor and the loss adjuster
- Explain the grounds on which an insurer may repudiate a claim
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Insurance Claims. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following is the FIRST step in the claims procedure? A. Completion of the claim form B. Notification of the loss to the insurer C. Appointment of a loss adjuster D. Signing of the discharge voucher Answer: B
- A loss adjuster is appointed and paid by the: A. Insured B. Insurer C. Government D. Loss assessor Answer: B
- The document signed by the insured to accept a settlement and release the insurer from further liability is the: A. Claim form B. Cover note C. Discharge voucher D. Proposal form Answer: C
- An insurer's assessed loss is 4,000,000 naira on a fully insured property with an excess of 250,000 naira. How much will the insurer pay? A. 4,000,000 naira B. 4,250,000 naira C. 3,750,000 naira D. 250,000 naira Answer: C
- An insurer may rightly repudiate a claim where the: A. Insured notified the loss promptly B. Loss was caused by a peril the policy excludes C. Property was fully insured D. Insured completed the claim form truthfully Answer: B
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Recommended Books
Past Questions
Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Insurance Claims from previous years
Question 1 Report
PETER CITUKWU'S MOTOR INSURANCE CLAIM Mr. Peter Chukwu owns a Peugeot 406 saloon car which he insured for a value of #2,000,000.00 with Integrity Insurance Plc on comprehensive basis. He uses this vehicle for social, domestic, pleasure purposes and in connection with his business but not for hire and reward. One day, as he was going to the beach with his two children, Emeka and Pauline, he got involved in an accident with another car, a Honda Accord belonging to Mr. Bayo Samuel. Mr. Bayo Samuel was descending a hill at a high speed and consequently hit the back side of Mr. Peter Chukwu's cat damaging the rear bumper, two rear lights and the booth. An argument ensued between Mr. Peter Chukwu and Mr. Bayo Samuel as to how to settle the issue. It was however discovered that Mr. Bayo Samuel had a third party motor insurance cover with Adequate Insurance Company Limited. The accident was reported to Integrity Insurance Plc by Mr. Peter Chukwu who subsequently submitted estimate of repairs, in the sum of two hundred and fifth thousand naira (N250,000.00). The insurer of Mr. Peter Chukwu admitted liability and paid the sum of one hundred and eighty thousand naira (#180,000.00) after adjustment and wrote to Adequate Insurance Company Limited for recovery of its outlay. Mr. Peter Chukwu took delivery of the damaged bumper and rear lights from his mechanic after fixing his car and took them home with the intention of repairing them for sale.
Required:
(a) Identify the principle involved in the case and why?
(b) Explain the principle identified.
(c) Who should take the delivery of the damaged parts of the Peugeot 406 car?
(d) Explain two covers available under the insurance policy held by Mr. Peter Chukwu
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