Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
When you file an insurance claim in Minnesota, your insurer must assign a claim number and provide your adjuster’s contact details. You need this information to track progress and communicate effectively. Under Minnesota’s Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act, an insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 10 business days and share the claim number and adjuster contact. See Minn. Stat. § 72A.201.
- Report the claim promptly. Call or email your insurance company as soon as loss occurs. Ask for written confirmation of receipt.
- Request your claim number. During your first call or email, ask “What is my claim number?” Insurers must assign and share this identifier so you can reference your file.
- Ask for adjuster details. Request the adjuster’s full name, direct phone number, and business email. Note these in writing or on a call log.
- Check the insurer’s online portal. Many carriers post claim status, claim numbers, and adjuster contacts in customer dashboards or mobile apps.
- Send a written follow-up. If you haven’t received the claim number or adjuster info within 10 business days, send a follow-up letter or email. Reference your claim notice date and request the missing details.
- Escalate if needed. If the insurer still delays, cite Minn. Stat. § 72A.201 and file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Insurance Complaint Unit: mn.gov/commerce/industries/insurance/file-complaint.
Helpful Hints
- Keep a detailed call log: date, time, person’s name, and summary of the conversation.
- Ask for email confirmations to create a paper trail.
- Review your policy’s claims section for specific reporting guidelines and contact info.
- Use registered mail or read-receipt email for important follow-up requests.
- Be polite but firm. Clear communication speeds up your claim response.
- Store all claim-related documents and correspondence in one folder for quick access.