Find an Insurance Law Lawyer Continued…

The goal of insurance law is to ensure consumer protection (fairness) and economic stability. Due to the interstate commerce nature of insurance, the federal government regulates insurance companies. Congress enacted the McCarron-Ferguson Act, requiring that insurance companies be regulated by the individual states. Thus, state insurance statutes often override federal laws (except tax laws). Generally, if the issue relates to the “business” of insurance, state law governs. If the issue relates to challenges outside the industry (such as labor, tax, securities), federal law governs. Tips on handling claims (flood, hurricane, auto accident, etc.). Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Inform the agent you have suffered a loss and will be filing a claim. If your home is not habitable, tell the agent where you can be reached. After you file a claim, your insurance agent should make every effort to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. The agent will first assign your claim to an adjuster (an insurance company employee or an independent adjuster hired by the company), who will then inform you of the steps to file your claim. If the insurance company's eventual offer is not satisfactory to you, seek an attorney. By Kathleen Goolsby