• The sooner you deal with your insurance company, the better.hurricand dammage to family van image by nTripp from Fotolia.com
  
  It can be frustrating to deal with insurance companies. If you are handling medical bills, an auto accident or a disaster claim, chances are, you are under stress. Learning the tips on dealing with insurance companies can come in handy during these difficult times.
  
  

Health Insurance

• If you or family members have a stack of medical bills, get help from your doctor, the hospital business office or your employee benefits office before you file a claim, according to CNN Health. If you still have trouble, look for a nonprofit group, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation, to help you with insurance problems.
  
  If the insurance company denies your claim, try again. Sometimes a change in wording in the paperwork will get you an approval. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims hoping that you won't appeal, says the co-founder of the Patient Advocate Foundation, Nancy Davenport-Ennis, on CNN Health.
  
  

Auto Insurance

• You should know the ins and outs of your auto insurance policy before you ever have to use it. You probably already know if you have collision, liability or comprehensive insurance. You might not know some of the finer details of your policy. Edmunds.com says you might receive information that is more helpful from your insurance agent when your agent is not filling out a claim form, so sit down with your agent before anything bad happens.
  
  Each state regulates auto insurance companies differently. Check your state government's website for information on the fair settlement of claims.
  
  Don't take your insurance company's word for your car's estimated value. You should do your own research. The higher the value of your car, the bigger your insurance check will be if your car is totaled. One place you can find this information is from the Edmunds.com True Market Appraiser tool.
  
  Be there when the insurance company representative is evaluating the damage to your vehicle. You can point out damage the inspector may overlook.
  
  

Homeowner's Insurance

• If you are involved in a disaster that affects your home, call your insurance company right away, according to Bankrate.com. You may get emergency help. Locate all of your insurance policies and see if you have some overlap coverage.
  
  Thoroughly check your house so you can make a written list of all the damage. Photograph the damage too. Repair anything that will prevent further damage, such as covering a broken window. Do not make repairs that remove evidence of damage until your insurance adjuster sees the damage.
  
  Have an idea of what it will cost you to repair the damage. You don't have to accept your insurance company's first offer if it is below what you think you should get. If necessary, you can file a report with your state's insurance department if you are sure the insurance company is shortchanging you, according to Bankrate.com.