As you know – accidents happen. It is our job to help you through what happens “after.” Here are a few FAQs and steps to follow if/when you have a claim.
Q. I’ve been in an accident – what now?
A. Start by reporting your claim to your agent. They need to know:
- When & where the accident occurred (be as specific as possible)
- How the accident happened
- What kind of vehicle or vehicles were involved (including the year, make, and model)
- A description of the damage on each vehicle
- Names and contact information of people involved in the accident
- The extent of any injuries to people involved in the accident
- Names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident
- The law enforcement agency that responded and the police report number, if police were contacted
- Any pictures you have taken, to document & support your claim
Q. I have damage to my property-what now?
A. Call your agent and let them know:
- When the incident occurred.
- A general description of what happened.
- Location of the damaged property and what was damaged.
- Condition of the home and if it is still livable.
- If temporary repairs are needed.
- If the fire or police department was contacted, which department responded and any report number.
- Your contact information and the best time to reach you
Q. Do I need to protect my home from further damage?
A. Yes, once it is safe to do so, it is your responsibility to protect your property from further damage.
- Take photos to document damage, then arrange for reasonable temporary repairs such as boarding up broken windows, covering the roof, and removing debris.
- Keep a list of any temporary repairs you make to document the damage, and make sure to save your receipts.
- If possible, place damaged items in a secure area where they can be inspected. If you are unsure about an item, include it with the damaged property.
- If you have fire or smoke damage, do not try to clean the damaged items. Sometimes cleaning things without the proper equipment can cause more damage.
- If you have water damage, vacuum or mop up standing water. Remove all furnishings from the damaged area. Do not run fans without dehumidifying.
Please also call us here at Town & Country Insurance, so we can let you know what to expect in the coming days.
