1.Collecting and Reviewing Documents
During your insurance claims investigation, request and collect official records stemming from the injury or damage.
For a personal injury claim, you can seek out official records created by the hospital or victim’s physician. Ask for medical release forms, prescription records, doctor’s notes or any other document that could confirm the legitimacy and severity of the injury.
For a property damage claim from a vehicle accident, request a copy of the police and accident report. These reports will have information from the day the accident was reported and can be used to corroborate statements and details obtained through interviews.
2.Taking Statements and Interviewing
Interviewing the victim, witnesses and, if applicable, the perpetrator, will be one of the best information-gathering tools during an insurance claims investigation.
Depending on the claim, the questions you ask will differ. In a theft claim, ask what items were taken, when they first realized something was amiss and the names of any people who were in the home around the time of the theft. Read the original police report aloud and monitor how the claimant responds.
Request a recorded or written statement from all involved parties describing the incident and circumstances. Being able to hear or read the statement at a later time will make it easier for you to compare future information to what was said.
3.Surveying the Area and Suspect
Take photos or videos that will help the story make sense. Depending on the claim, take photos of the location (workplace, home, car, intersection) and the injury itself. Having access to a permanent, physical view of the environment will help you make sense of what the statements and official records say.
4.Obtaining Other Contextual Information
Finally, consider other contextual information that will help you understand the claim.
Check the claimant’s social media accounts to learn more about them and the situation. Recent posts about struggling financially or hating work might raise suspicion. Posts about playing sports might cast doubt on an injury claim.