Stick up for Yourself on Insurance´s World

When making a big claim with an insurance company, Rutgers's Feinman says it's important to remember: "It's a business relationship.

"Despite marketing campaigns to the contrary,"they're not your neighbor, and they're not your friend." Sometimes professional help is necessary in negotiating with an insurer.

A public insurance adjuster can help with a time-consuming claim process, as when a house is damaged. If you're facing a fight with an insurer over a big claim, a lawyer may be necessary, says Hunter of the Consumer Federation.