Persevere in be paying

Getting health-care claims paid can be an arduous process, made worse by the penny-pinching of insurers, the complexity of policies, and inefficiencies in the health-care system, says Joseph Ditré. His advice: "Don't give up. And get help." 


Ditré's nonprofit Consumers for Affordable Healthcare, in Augusta, Me., is one of the organizations funded as "consumer assistance programs" by the 2010 federal health-care reform.

 Although not available in the 17 states that didn't apply for funding, the programs work with consumers one on one, helping them resolve difficult health-care claims.

Cash-Value Products

There are generally two kinds of life insurance: term coverage that pays out for a specified time period, and permanent coverage that builds up a cash value, much like an investment. Although some may get tax advantages from permanent life policies, consumer advocates say term coverage makes better financial sense for most people.

 "If you're not being told by a tax accountant to consider some cash-value product, you probably don't need it," CFA's Hunter says. "There are much better and lower-cost ways to invest" than through your life insurance policy, says adviser Knox.

Wait To Rebuild

When disaster strikes and a house is damaged, homeowners have two contradictory priorities: Prevent further damage, and preserve the evidence.

They might need to put up tarps or make minor repairs, but they shouldn't make any permanent repairs or clean up debris until after their insurer's claims adjuster makes a visit.

"It's important for the adjuster to see the damage in its worst state," says Altieri, the public insurance adjuster. Otherwise, homeowners might not be fully compensated for their loss.

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.