Understanding The Claims Process
Coverage for the unexpected is what you pay your insurance for. Then the unexpected happens, what’s next? Whether it is damage to your home from hail or you hit a deer, we are here to make it simple and streamline the process.
Who do you call first?
As your agent, we ask that you call us first. We know it is easier to speak with someone familiar and local after a scary, upsetting, or frustrating situation. We want to help and guide you through starting this process. However, there are some exceptions to this. If it is an emergency and after hours, you are provided with the direct claims number to your insurance company whether that be on your vehicles proof of insurance or your declarations page (policy documents sent to you at every renewal). If the incident occurred or the damage is noticed during business hours, we are on the other side of the phone ready to help!
How the Claims Process Works
1
Report the Loss
Contact our team or your carrier as soon as possible after the incident. The sooner a claim is reported, the sooner the process can begin. 906-228-9292
2
Gather Key Information
Photos, dates, receipts, estimates, police reports, or damage details can all help support your claim and keep things moving smoothly.
3
Review Next Steps
We’ll help you understand what happens next, including inspections, documentation requests, deductibles, and claim updates.
What to Do Before You File a Claim
Before filing a claim, it’s helpful to document the damage, protect your property from further loss if it’s safe to do so, and gather any information that may be relevant. This could include photos, receipts, a list of damaged items, or notes about what happened. If you’re unsure whether a loss should be reported, our team can help you think through your options.
Filing a Claim Dos and Dont's
Yes! If possible, we recommend calling us first. We like to have the opportunity to advise you on your options and what may or may not be covered. Maybe it is minimal damage that would not exceed your deductible. Or it may be substantial where we recommend getting it filed before even getting an estimate. If it is an emergency and someone is injured or the damage is extensive, and it is outside of business hours, you can call your company directly to start the process.
It helps to have the date of loss, photos of the damage, a description of what happened, and any relevant reports or receipts. The more organized your information is, the smoother the process may be. Be sure to keep things tidy!
This greatly depends on your claims history, amount paid out for the claim, fault, and your company. If it is your first claim on the policy, the increase is most likely from losing the claim free discount. If you have multiple claims, you could see a claims surcharge and eligibility at renewal may even come into play. This is another reason we like to have the opportunity to advise you before a claim is filed.
The type of claim and extent of damage greatly affect the time a claim takes. Availability of repair shops and contractors also comes into play.