Communicating with claims handlers by email is not a good idea and isn’t recommended by DCS. I understand that the trend today is to use texts and emails, but it could result in disaster for those with disability claims
All written documents are discoverable in a court of law. First, those who communicate by email often “over-speak” the issues since email is a less formal means of communication. Second, claims handlers have to take an extra step to add emails to your claim file. If they fail to do this, no documentation will exist for the conversation. As one of my managers once said, “If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.”
“Easier” is not always “safer” when it comes to communications with an insurance company. It’s best to put everything in writing in a letter through the mail. This ensures that the communication is added to the official record.
Speaking with claims handlers on the phone is equally not a good idea because verbal communications are often misrepresented when documented. It turns into a “he said, she said” scenario. It’s far better to communicate in writing only.
Insureds and claimants often think they have an open-ended timeline when making application for claims. Thinking that you have to wait until after the Elimination Period to apply is an “Old Wives Tale” and is not true at all. In fact, insureds who apply during the EP will most likely have on-time payments at the end of the EP rather than waiting weeks for an approval.
Insureds and claimants should check their Plans and policies carefully to determine how long they actually have to file claims. A few insureds tell me, “I was in such pain I couldn’t do it.” Well, insurance companies really don’t care about that. Please file your claims as soon as possible once a date of disability is documented and supported by your doctor.
In some cases the principle of “prejudice” can be brought into play. This means that you waited so long to apply that you made it impossible for the insurance company to obtain “proof of claim”. Filing in a timely way also eases financial problems that do not need to exist if the claim is filed during the EP.
