Filing an insurance claim can be a daunting experience for customers. Amid the stress and confusion following a loss, it's easy to make mistakes that could lead to a claim being delayed — or even denied. While insurance agents are there to act as guides through the process, there is still a lot of room for error if an insured doesn't cover all of their bases and promptly supply all of the necessary details about the event. Understanding common pitfalls in the process is integral to ensuring you receive the best outcome possible for your claim. In the slideshow above, we'll look at five common mistakes customers should avoid when filing an insurance claim, according to Ohio Valley Insurance. If an insured finds themselves on the receiving end of a denied claim, there are steps they can take. In these cases, The Zebra recommends the insured:

• Correct any errors and resubmit the claim.
• Contact their insurance provider if the reason for denial is unclear and ask for a detailed explanation.
• Consider filing an appeal if they disagree with the denial. When filing an appeal, the insured should make sure to gather any documentation or other supporting evidence that supports their claim.
• Seek professional help from a legal or claims specialist if they need additional help. If all else fails, the insured can contact their state's insurance commissioner for assistance.

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