How to File an Insurance Claim

When should you file an insurance claim?

Minor dings and scratches don't necessitate an insurance claim, but vehicle collisions, home break-ins, and weather damage often do. However, keep in mind that your insurance may not cover every incident. Additionally, in some scenarios, you may choose to cover any damages on your own rather than filing a claim. 

You don't need to file a claim if:

• The property damaged belongs to you, and you're prepared to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.

• No one is injured.

• No other parties are involved in the incident (for example, a minor solo car accident).

Alternatively, you should file a claim if: 

• The damage is severe.

• Property belonging to others was damaged.

• Anyone is injured during the incident

• The cost to repair damages exceeds your deductible

Keep in mind that your claim history also impacts your insurance premiums. For instance, your auto insurance premium may rise following a car accident - even if the fault is not your own. If you're able to cover the cost of repairs, it may be a good idea to avoid filing a claim until a major incident comes along - as long as no other person or property was damaged in the incident. 

Step 1: Document everything immediately.

Whether you're involved in a car accident or the cold weather has caused a pipe to burst in your home, document everything. Be as thorough as possible. Take notes about what happened, so you don't forget any important details. Exchange information with any other parties involved if necessary, and take photos and videos of any damages resulting from the incident.

Not sure what information you need to collect? Here are a few things you might want to hold onto:

• Notes detailing what happened, who was involved, and any other relevant information like the weather or time of day

• Photos and videos of damage from multiple angles

• Medical records and bills

• Police report numbers along with officers' names and badge numbers

• Contact, vehicle, and insurance information of any other people involved

• A list of damaged items and their value

Step 2: Contact Keller-Brown Insurance Services as soon as possible.

Immediately after an incident occurs, you should get in touch with one of our insurance agents. Our team can help you report the claim, or even do it for you. Plus, we'll guide you through the entire claims process, so you feel taken care of. 

If a claim occurs when our team is unavailable, you may contact your insurance carrier directly. What's most important is that the incident is reported immediately. The sooner your claim is reported, the sooner an adjuster will be in touch to take the next steps. Connecting with an insurance agent right away will help you tackle the challenge with the best action plan possible. 

We understand that filing a claim can be a stressful and emotionally taxing time, so we approach every customer with empathy and understanding. Keller-Brown provides an in-house Claims Advocate dedicated to you who will work with you to understand what happened and what you need to do to ensure your claim is taken care of. Think of our team as your guide through the process. We'll be here to answer any questions you may have, help you understand your coverage, and connect you with qualified professionals as you repair any damages.

Step 3: Take action to prevent further damage.

In some situations, you may find you need to take precautions to prevent further damage. For instance, consider you're a small business owner, and the front door to your store is damaged during a break-in. To prevent further theft or damage from the elements, you'll likely want to board up your door until you're able to get it replaced. 

However, don't begin to repair the damage until an adjuster has been to the scene for an inspection. If you take steps to mitigate further damage, be sure to keep the receipts of any purchases you make for minor repairs like this. Additionally, don't make any repairs that you should leave to a professional. Your insurance carrier may have a list of approved providers for you to contact. 

Before disaster strikes, make sure you're prepared for an unexpected insurance claim

1. Understand your coverage. Contact us for an insurance review. We can help you understand what is and is not covered by your insurance.

2. Revise your coverage. As life changes, so do your coverage needs. Whether you recently made renovations to your home or got a promotion at work, it could be a good time to expand your coverage. Alternatively, if your financial situation has changed, we can work with you to find coverage that suits your needs and budget.