What must an insured do immediately after a loss occurs?

The requirement for an insured to notify the insurer promptly after a loss occurs is rooted in the principles of insurance contracts. Insurance policies generally include a "notice of loss" provision which obligates the policyholder to inform the insurer about the incident as soon as it is reasonable to do so. This prompt notification allows the insurance company to initiate the claims process, assess the validity of the claim, and determine the next steps in terms of investigation and potential compensation.

Timely notification is crucial because it helps protect the insurer's rights to investigate the claim while evidence is still fresh and to avoid any potential for fraudulent claims. Additionally, failing to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe may jeopardize the insured's ability to recover under the policy.

In contrast, other actions like repairing the loss before informing the insurer may hinder the insurer's ability to evaluate the damage properly. Filing a lawsuit prematurely can complicate matters and potentially violate the terms of the insurance agreement by not allowing the insurer to address the claim first. Waiting for the insurer to make contact places the responsibility on the insurer rather than the insured, which does not align with the expectations set forth in most insurance contracts. Thus, maintaining prompt communication is essential for effective claim resolution and adhering to policy requirements.