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Claims FAQs
Claims FAQs
Every year millions of consumers file claims with their insurance agents and insurance companies. It is stressful enough to sustain a loss - rest assured that Quinn Group Insurance Agency understands, and is willing to assist you in every aspect of your claims experience. Our commitment to excellence helps you to get back to your daily life as soon as possible. The links in the heading below will take you to the relevant FAQs.
Personal Automobile Claims FAQs
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this information is accurate, it is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. You are urged to contact your agent, broker, company or the Division with your specific situation.
This information was compiled to help consumers answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal automobile insurance. Additional questions or comments should be made to the Division of Insurance
What should I do when I have an auto accident?
Are there any specific time limits for an insurance company to pay for collision or comprehensive claims?
My auto was declared a total loss following an accident. Is my company required to give me the replacement cost?
Do I have to pay an insurance premium after my auto is declared a total loss?
May I keep my auto if I have a collision, limited collision or comprehensive claim and my insurance company declares it a total loss?
The body shop is repairing my auto after an insured loss. Will my insurance company pay for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
An object damaged my windshield and I am unable to determine where it came from. Am I covered for this loss?
Can my insurance company deny a claim for damages to my auto if the principle place of garaging listed on my application is false?
Who is liable for the storage charges on my damaged auto when there is a dispute as to the amount of the claim payment?
If I own an auto with collision and comprehensive coverage, will my insurance apply to a rental or borrowed private passenger auto?
What should I do when I have an auto accident?
Exchange Information with the Other Driver.
Write down driver's license number, license plate number and state. Get the insurance company name and policy number, plus make, model, year and description of vehicle. Lastly, record the name, address and telephone numbers of the driver.
Write down the name and address of all passengers, injured persons or anyone with property damage. Get the names and contact information from at least two witnesses if possible. This is very important when the fault of an accident is questionable.
Diagram the Accident before Leaving the Scene
Make sure you record important accident details such as the date, time, location, and weather and road conditions (wet, icy, dry).
Stop! Do Not Leave the Scene
Call the police immediately to report any accident, no matter how small, which results in personal injury or vehicle damage. Notify the police as to any medical assistance that may be needed or any vehicle that is not drivable.
Warn other motorists by turning on your vehicle's flashers and setting up flares or other reflective devices starting 50 feet behind your vehicle. Signal for assistance by tying a handkerchief or anything white to the vehicle's antenna.
- Do not accept responsibility or otherwise discuss the accident with anyone except police authorities and your independent insurance agent.
- Do not accept any monetary settlement at the accident scene.
- Remain calm and courteous.
- Show position of all vehicles before and after the accident-plus location of signs, streets and medians.
- Note any apparent damage to not only your vehicle, but all vehicles involved in the accident.
- Write down any details you feel are important.
A Final Note...
After you have taken care of everything at the scene of the accident, immediately notify your independent insurance agent. Be sure to save copies of all documents relating to the incident.
Are there any specific time limits for an insurance company to pay for collision or comprehensive claims?
There are no specific time limits for the settlement of claims. Insurance companies are required by law to pay all claims in a prompt and reasonable amount of time. However, what constitutes "prompt and reasonable" may vary from claim to claim. Claims that require special or extended investigation may take longer to resolve. Inclement weather conditions often cause an increase in the number of claims filed and that can slow the process down as well.
My auto was declared a total loss following an accident. Is my company required to give me the replacement cost?
When your auto is declared a total loss, your insurance company will only pay you the actual cash value of the auto as of the date of the loss, not the cost to replace it. Your auto's value is determined by the following factors: the retail value for an auto of like kind and quality prior to the accident; the price paid for the auto plus the value of prior improvements to the auto at the time of the accident; the decrease in value of the auto resulting from prior unrelated damage which is detected by the appraiser or for which a claim has been paid; and the actual purchase cost of an available auto of like kind and quality. If your auto has substantial value because of its exceptional condition such as an antique, classic, or restored auto, you should have it appraised and then insure it for the appraised value.
Do I have to pay an insurance premium after my auto is declared a total loss?
Yes, the auto is considered insured until the policyholder returns the license plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you don't have your license plate because your auto was stolen or because your auto and plates were destroyed in a fire, you must go to the nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles office and obtain a lost or stolen plates receipt. This receipt must be presented to your insurance company in order to cancel your policy and avoid paying any additional premium.
May I keep my auto if I have a collision, limited collision or comprehensive claim and my insurance company declares it a total loss?
Your insurance company has the option to take title to your auto when it issues payment on your claim. The insurer is entitled to any salvage value your auto may have. You can, of course, negotiate with your company to purchase your auto for the agreed salvaged value.
The body shop is repairing my auto after an insured loss. Will my insurance company pay for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
If the repair of the damaged part impairs the operational safety of the auto, the insurance company will pay to replace it with an OEM part. For non-safety parts, unless your claim occurs during the first 15,000 miles on the auto’s odometer, you are not entitled to OEM parts. For autos with more than 15,000 miles, state regulation allows for the replacement of damaged parts with used, reconditioned or after market parts. You can insist on OEM parts, but you will have to pay the difference in cost.
An object damaged my windshield and I am unable to determine where it came from. Am I covered for this loss?
Yes, if you have comprehensive insurance you are covered for the full amount of the loss, unless you opted for a $100 deductible for glass breakage. The $300, $500 or $1000 deductible, or whatever you may have selected for comprehensive coverage, does not apply to a glass loss.
Can my insurance company deny a claim for damages to my auto if the principle place of garaging listed on my application is false?
Yes. If you or someone on your behalf gives false, deceptive, misleading or incomplete information on any application and if such information increases the insurance company's risk of loss, your company may then refuse to pay claims under any or all of the Optional Insurance coverage on the policy. Such information includes the description and place of garaging of the vehicles to be insured, the names of the operators required to be listed and the answers given for all listed operators. In the event that you have moved since you filled out your initial application, promptly notify your insurance company and the Registry of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
Who is liable for the storage charges on my damaged auto when there is a dispute as to the amount of the claim payment?
The insurance company is responsible for paying storage charges until it makes a reasonable offer to settle the claim. However, if the consumer disputes the amount offered and the company revises its offer, this does not necessarily mean that the original offer was unreasonable. Disputes over what is reasonable can be resolved with your company through the process described in your insurance policy. You can also submit a written complaint to the Division of Insurance if you are unable to settle the dispute.
If I own an auto with collision and comprehensive coverage, will my insurance apply to a rental or borrowed private passenger auto?
Yes. Your collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are transferable to a substitute rented or borrowed private passenger auto that is damaged while it is being operated by you or members of your household with the consent of the owner. There is no coverage under your policy for family friends or significant others. You should be aware that your coverage is available only if you rent or borrow a private passenger auto in the United States or Canada. You should also be aware that your policy does not provide coverage for a borrowed or rented truck. If you are renting a truck, you should check with the rental company regarding the purchase of collision and comprehensive insurance. If you are borrowing a truck, make sure you determine whether or not the owner has purchased collision or comprehensive coverage. If the owner does not have insurance, you may be personally liable for any damage to that truck which is the result of your negligent operation. If the use is for business rather than pleasure, call your agent first. Business use is usually not covered under your personal auto insurance policy.
Property Insurance Claims FAQs
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this information is accurate, it is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. You are urged to contact your agent, broker, company or the Division with your specific situation.
This information was compiled to help consumers answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal automobile insurance. Additional questions or comments should be made to the Division of Insurance
How do I file a Property Insurance Claim?
What happens if my dwelling is underinsured?
I have a water damage claim, what should I do right away?
What happens if I have a fire?
I called emergency services and a Public adjuster showed up at the scene.
Does my homeowner’s policy cover me for flood?
How do I file a Property Insurance Claim?
Every year insurance companies pay more than $75 billion in claims resulting from losses suffered during fires, hurricanes, robberies, dog bites, falls and other incidents. The trauma of a burglary or severe damage to your home is stressful enough without having to worry about your insurance claim. This section of our web site is designed to help you understand the claims process.
Where Do I Start?
There are two basic types of claims. The first involves loss or damage to property such as your home or your possessions. The second type is a liability claim which arises when someone else suffers an injury or damage to their property because of something you did or did not do. For example, if someone falls while visiting at your home, you could be liable for any injuries that may have occurred. Liability claims may result in a lawsuit against you.
On The Home Front
If you own your home, chances are you have a homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance covers damage to your property-structures and your possessions within specified limits. This coverage extends to possessions that you carry for personal use when you travel. You usually have coverage for damage to both the building and personal property caused by:
- Fire or lightning
- Windstorm or hail (not available in all locations)
- Explosions
- Riot or civil commotion
- Aircraft vehicles
- Smoke
- Theft or vandalism
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning or other such household system
If you should experience damage from an above fisted cause, you can make temporary repairs (e.g., to the roof) to prevent further damage to your property. Remember to keep all receipts for the insurance company, and do not sign any deals with contractors or lawyers until you have spoken with your independent insurance agent.
Suitable Coverage
Unfortunately, there are other risks involved in everyday living besides loss or damage to your property. That old tree you kept meaning to remove may come crashing down during the next storm on your neighbor's garage. Or that pesky skateboarding teenager down the street may pick your sidewalk to have a spill and break a bone.
If you find yourself involved in a situation where you may be held liable, it is important to notify your independent insurance agent. You may talk to the skateboarder's parents or with your neighbors, but leave the insurance discussion and negotiating up to the professional. For several reasons, the first conversation you have about the incident should be with your independent insurance agent.
Chances are your policy includes a stipulation that the insurance company be notified promptly. Plus, in chatting about the situation you can inadvertently waive some of your rights in the case. More importantly, by involving the insurance company early in the process, the company can sometimes offer an early settlement that avoids a lawsuit. After all, the insurance company has a team of expert claims adjusters, appraisers, lawyers, and medical experts who have been down this road before and know exactly how to get mutual satisfaction for both sides without straining neighborly relations.
That's It?
No. There are coverages such as flood and earthquake damage protection you can purchase for your home. Just about any other contingency can be covered by adding clauses and conditions known as endorsements or riders to a standard policy.
To help document your property, contact Quinn Group Insurance Agency to get your free copy of IIAA's Taking Inventory of Your Home brochure. Take a few moments to fill it out, and you will be better prepared if something comes along that damages your property.
When the Time Comes
If you do suffer property damage or injury or incur liability, it is time to file a claim. You will be asked to fill out a claim form-the formal document on which you request benefits to be paid according to the terms of the policy. Be complete and supply as much detail as you can and, of course, be truthful.
To support your claim, it may be necessary to supply some documentation. Pictures of your tree atop the neighbor's garage, details on the sofa, chairs and CD collection destroyed in the fire, and so forth. The better you document your property beforehand with pictures, receipts and other evidence, the more likely your claim will be processed smoothly.
Figuring Out the Costs
Of course, how much financial settlement the insurance company offers you varies with the situation. However, for property damage, it helps to know that there are two basic ways to value your property:
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You may want to check your policy to see which kind of coverage you currently have. For example, if you would prefer replacement coverage and do not have it, this coverage can be added to your policy for an increase in your premium of about 10% to 15%.
What Is A Deductible?
When you file a claim for property loss, the payment made by the insurance company is subject to a deductible. Basically, when you purchase your insurance policy, you agree to pay the first specified amount of any damage as your share of the cost of repair or replacement. The insurance company adjusts its rates accordingly, charging less for those who agree to pay a larger first share-or deductible. For example, if your home should sustain damages costing $2,000 to repair and you have a deductible of $250, the insurance company would pay you $1,750 which is the $2,000 minus your deductible.
What's A Claims Adjuster?
Once you have reported your claim to your agent, he or she will contact your insurer's claims adjuster usually within the hour. The adjuster will begin the settlement process, the length of which will depend on the cooperation of the other party, if any. While some claims are relatively easy and straightforward, others are more complicated.
Your adjuster is charged with investigating the claim and then making a recommendation to the insurance company. The recommendation can be to accept the claim and pay the full amount requested, accept part of the claim and make a partial payment or refuse the claim and make no payment. The insurance company will then make a final decision regarding your claim and notify you.
A Final Note...
The amount of compensation offered can vary according to the adjuster's analysis of your claim. Keep in mind, if you feel it is too low, you do not have to accept the first amount offered. While you may have to do some research to prove a higher payment is valid, it may be worth it. Your independent insurance agent should be able to assist you in reaching a fair settlement.
What happens if my dwelling is underinsured?
Your home policy is written based on a minimum co-insurance percentage which is usually 90%. If you are not insured to minimum co-insurance limit of your home, any claims will be settled based on the percentage calculated at time of loss. For example, if co-insurance requires you to insure your home for $1,000,000 and you actually insure it for $500,000 dwelling coverage you are only at 50% of the required coverage of your home, therefore any full or partial losses would be paid at 50% of the loss.
I have a water damage claim, what should I do right away?
It is your responsibility as the homeowner to prevent any further damage from occurring. You can call a home restoration company, plumber, or whatever is needed to stop the water from causing more damage to your. You should not allow any of the damaged material to be disposed of until the insurance adjuster has been out to your location. Also please take pictures of loss for your insurance carrier.
What happens if I have a fire?
Often, along with the fire department, a public adjuster will arrive as quickly to your property. Once possible please contact our office to file your claims, we will do whatever is possible to expedite and assist you with your loss. Please note all insurance carriers have the ability to adjust your claim quickly and fairly. However you have the right to secure a public adjuster to mediate your claim, although keep in adjusters charge a fee ranging from 4% to 10% for this service. For more information please see the question below pertaining to public adjusters and what their role is. If your primary home is unlivable from the fire damage loss of use coverage on your homeowners policy will provide economic assistance for alternate living arrangements.
I called emergency services and a Public adjuster showed up at the scene.
A public adjuster may arrive at your loss if you call for emergency services. A public adjuster is an independent firm who will adjust your claim for a fee. Please note that the public adjuster does not work for any the insurance company and acts as your personal representative for handling your claim. Lastly if you choose work with a public adjuster at the time of your loss, be mindful that this person will be dealing with the insurance company on your claim on your behalf rather than you dealing with the company directly.
Does my homeowner’s policy cover me for flood?
A homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage. You would need to purchase a separate policy for this coverage. If you do not live in a high risk flood zone this coverage may not have been required by your mortgage company when you bought your house, but is available at a reasonable cost. Note the flood policy covers the structure below ground level but not personal contents that are below ground level in a finished basement.
Commercial Claims FAQs
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this information is accurate, it is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. You are urged to contact your agent, broker, company or the Division with your specific situation.
This information was compiled to help consumers answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal automobile insurance. Additional questions or comments should be made to the Division of Insurance
What do I do if someone slips and falls in my building?
If an employee is injured while working, what are my responsibilities?
Is lost time due to a covered injury covered under the Workers Comp. policy?
Will I be surcharged on my personal driver’s license with an accident?
Also what happens to my Business auto policy premium after an at fault accident?
Is a subcontractor who is injured covered under my Workers Comp policy?
Will I be covered as the employer if my employee causes an auto accident?
Will my Condominium Master Policy cover water damage to my unit caused from the unit above?
What do I do if someone slips and falls in my building?
Obtain personal information, including name, address and telephone number of the person and report to your insurance agent ASAP so that the insurance carrier can be notified of a liability claim.
If an employee is injured while working, what are my responsibilities?
To notify the company who provides Workers Compensation call the claim in to them directly, within 48 hours.
Is lost time due to a covered injury covered under the Workers Comp. policy?
Yes, after 5 lost time days.
Will I be surcharged on my personal driver’s license with an accident?
No, unless a citation was issued at the scene of the accident.
Also what happens to my Business auto policy premium after and a fault accident occurs.
Your business auto policy premium is based in part on claims experience. Therefore, the premium may increase at renewal based on the severity of the claim.
Is a subcontractor who is injured covered under my Workers Comp policy?
If they do not have a policy, they are covered under your policy as if they were your employee. The exposure will be picked up at year-end audit.
Will an employee who is injured while driving on company business be covered by the company's commercial auto policy?
No, the Workers Comp. policy always takes precedence.
Will I be covered as the employer if my employee causes an auto accident?
Yes, if I carry Hired & Non-Owned auto liability on my commercial auto policy.
Are my business tools covered off premises? If you have Inland Marine coverage, they are insured at the various job sites.
What if a fire makes it impossible to operate my business, resulting in lost revenue and a need to temporarily relocate?
Business Interruption coverage and Extra Expense will mitigate the losses to the extent that ongoing operations are possible.
Will my Condominium Master Policy cover water damage to my unit caused from the unit above?
Condominium by-laws will stipulate whether the master policy will cover the loss, or it is to be covered by the individual unit-owner's policy.
