What is involved in the process of "claims handling"?

The process of "claims handling" primarily involves managing and processing insurance claims from the moment they are submitted by the policyholder through to the final settlement. This process usually includes a series of steps such as receiving the claim, assessing its validity, gathering necessary documentation, conducting investigations if needed, and ultimately determining the payout amount based on the terms of the policy.

Claims handling is a critical function in the insurance industry because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and trust in the insurer. Efficient claims handling can lead to quick resolutions, which is essential in providing support to policyholders during stressful times following a loss.

The other choices involve activities that, while related to the insurance field, do not pertain specifically to the claims handling process. For instance, investigating policy cancellations focuses on understanding why a policy might be terminated rather than managing claims. Assessing the financial stability of insurers is a broader consideration related to market health and solvency rather than individual claims. Designing new insurance products pertains to the product development aspect of insurance rather than the claims handling function.