Keep a note pad and pen in your glove compartment. It is handy for jotting down notes should an accident occur.
Jot down only that with which you feel comfortable.
Concentrate your efforts on obtaining the most important information, which is :
- Name and contact information of the driver.
- Name and contact information of the vehicle owner
- License plate number of the other car
- All other information is secondary although could be very important.
Do immediately :
- Get help for anyone injured
- Do not admit fault
- Do not discuss your policy coverage with any one.
Your insurance ID card contains all the information needed by the police and or the other party. - Contact the police, even if the accident is minor.
You want the accident to be recorded as accurately as possible, at the scene. Too many stories change an hour or two after the accident. Accurate details can be very important to your claim. Police are trained to gather the needed information and record it in a non bias fashion - Jot down the important information.
While waiting for the police, obtain the name and contact information of the driver, owner of the vehicle, and license number of the other vehicle. - Observe the area and the conditions around you.
Road conditions, weather, and traffic control devices can be important. - Witnesses can be very helpful.
Obtain names and contact information of any witnesses. Encourage them to stay
until the police arrive. - Note all damages to all vehicles, not just yours and jot it down
- Give the police all the information you have obtained or observed
- Retain your notes
Police reports are generally not available for several days. Your notes can be handy in
submitting you initial claim to us. - If your vehicle is towed from the scene,
get the location of where it is being towed. This is extremely helpful for removing your personal items and can speed up repairs to your auto. - Report the accident to us as soon as practical, even if information is sketchy. Quite often we can start processing your claim with very little information.
You can phone us or use the claim forms we provide here on our website. Do not panic. 24 to 36 hours is an acceptable time in which to notify us. However the sooner you report it to us the quicker we can start the claim process. - Determine where you want the car fixed.
Insurance companies may try to steer you to their favorite body shops. You do not have to use them. You are free to use a body shop of your choice. Be sure the shop you choose will make the repairs and guarantee them for the price allowed by the insurance company. - Arrange for temporary transportation.
If the accident was the other party's fault his liability will cover your reasonable transportation expenses for the loss of use of your car. If the accident is your fault, you must rely on your Rental Reimbursement coverage, if you carry it.
In the aftermath of a fire or storm you may sustain exterior damage to your house. In that event you must and are authorized to take certain emergency measures. If the storm is wide spread, you may have to act on your own for a few days. Be sure to act responsibly if you find yourself in that position.
Serious Property Losses
- Get your family to safety
- Arrange for emergency shelter for your family
- Take photos or videos - Include all sides of your house with close-ups of damaged areas. If possible, do this before emergency repairs are started.
- Do not sign any agreements - People may approach you offering to help you submit the claim or adjust your loss for a fee. We will help you and answer any of your questions. Your insurance company will provide you with a professional adjuster free of charge.
- Protect your property to prevent further loss. Your policy requires you do this and will pay for reasonable expenses to do so. If the roof is damaged cover it with a tarp to protect against the weather. If necessary remove tree limbs from the building. Cover openings on the sides of the building with plywood to prevent damage by weather, looters or vandals.
- Report the claim to us as soon as possible. You can use our contact form to .
Report a Claim? - Keep records and receipts for all expenditures for emergency repairs and emergency lodging.
- Leave a forwarding address where we and the insurance company can reach you.
Other Property Losses
- Protect your property to prevent further loss.
Your policy requires you do this and will pay for reasonable expenses to do so. If the roof is damaged, cover it with a tarp
to protect against the weather. If necessary remove tree limbs from the building.
Cover openings on the sides of the building with plywood to prevent damage by weather or vandals. - Report any theft losses to the Police immediately
- Report the claim to us as soon as possible.
You can use our contact us form to Report a Claim? - Keep records and receipts for all expenditures for emergency repairs and locate any receipts you might have for the
damaged property. - Make a list of items lost or damaged. Inventory sheets or videos you may have taken might help you in remembering
missing items or help prove you had such an item
Liability Losses
A liability loss is one which your negligence has caused someone bodily injury or property damage. It would include
(but not limited to) such things as a slip and fall on your property or your pet has bitten someone.
(but not limited to) such things as a slip and fall on your property or your pet has bitten someone.
- Get proper medical help for injured parties
- Do not admit fault
- Do not discuss your policy coverage with any one.
- Jot down the important information.
Obtain the name and contact information of the people involved. - Observe the area and the conditions around you.
- Witnesses can be very helpful.
Obtain their names and contact information.
Any questions about what to expect next, please contact our office.
There are things you should do immediately after a loss. Some items will make the claim move more smoothly. Others may be mandatory, such as protect property from further loss.
Any questions about what to expect next, please contact our office.