Life is full of problems, some little, some big. That’s why we have insurance. But where insurance companies come in, there are five words that should be left out…or at least used judiciously. Example? The word flood.
“It’s water coming into your home from a nearby lake, stream, river. It’s not covered under the standard home insurance policy.”
-Kat Zeman, Insure.com
So if you’ve got a burst pipe, which is covered, don’t call it a flood, which might not be.
Need a medical treatment? Avoid the word experimental. Insurance often doesn’t cover experimental procedures.
“If your doctor recommends a procedure, he probably feels it’s medically necessary. So let the insurance company decide if it’s experimental.”
-Kat Zeman, Insure.com
When it comes to car wrecks, avoid apologizing.
“Try to avoid using the term I’m sorry when reporting a car accident because it could be interpreted as an admission of fault.”
-Kat Zeman, Insure.com
Then there’s the term “in my opinion”. Don’t volunteer your opinion, state the facts. And if you’re injured? Avoid the W word: Whiplash.
“The term whiplash has become associated with exaggerated and fraudulent insurance claims. So if your neck is injured, go to the hospital and let your doctor make the diagnosis.”
-Kat Zeman, Insure.com
Bottom line? When bad things happen that might involve insurance, think before you speak. I’m sorry, but in my opinion that’s not experimental. Avoid whiplash from being flooded with denials.
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