Claims Claims Services

Property & Catastrophe Claims FAQ's

You should always read your policy when you have a question about coverage or your claim. If any of these answers should conflict with your policy's specific language, your policy's language will be controlling.

How soon should our claim be reported?

To whom should we report our claim?

What information do we need to report a claim?

What should we do to mitigate our loss before you contact us?

What should we provide to demonstrate our loss?

Can we select our own construction contractor to repair or rebuild?

How and when will our claim be paid?

How long do we have to present our claim?

Can we receive an advance payment on our claim?

What if we cannot agree as to the cost of our repairs or replacement value or loss of income?

What if we have any questions or concerns about our claim?

 

How soon should our claim be reported?

As soon as you know you have a claim, it should be reported.

^ Back to Top

To whom should we report our claim?

In general, you may report your claim to your agent, who will then notify us. You may also report the claim directly to us or to our after hours emergency line. See, "Property & Catastrophe Claims".

^ Back to Top

What information do we need to report a claim?

Generally, some of the preliminary information you'll need includes:

  • When and what was damaged or lost.
  • The extent of damages.
  • If temporary repairs are needed.
  • Whether authorities such as police or fire department were notified.
^ Back to Top

What should we do to mitigate our loss before you contact us?

You should take all reasonable steps to make temporary repairs to protect covered property from further damage. If feasible, set the damaged property aside and in the best possible order for examination. Your expenses for these efforts are reimbursable, subject to your policy's coverage and deductible(s).

You should not incur additional expenses beyond those required to protect your property. Be sure to keep an accurate record of all repair expenses.

^ Back to Top

What should we provide to demonstrate our loss?

We will ask for complete inventories of the damaged and undamaged property including quantities, costs, values and amount of loss claimed.

You should save any receipts for damaged or stolen property. You should permit us to inspect the property damaged and examine your books and records if required, and permit us to take samples of damaged and undamaged property for inspection, testing, and analysis.

Depending on the nature of the claim, we may ask for a signed, sworn proof of loss or an examination under oath containing the information we request to investigate your claim. You must provide this to us within 60 days of our request—we will supply the necessary forms.

^ Back to Top

Can we select our own construction contractor to repair or rebuild?

Yes. You should select a qualified and licensed contractor.

^ Back to Top

How and when will our claim be paid?

The amount of time required to handle each claim varies based on the severity of the damage and other factors.

We will pay your claim or replace or repair your covered property as soon as the damages have been properly documented and/or an estimate has been prepared for repair or replacement of your building. Our adjuster will reach an agreed upon price with your contractor. We will pay the fair market value upon receipt of this estimate.

If you have replacement cost coverage, which allows for the cost of replacement cost without deduction for depreciation, we will pay the difference between fair market value and replacement cost as soon as construction is completed or personal property is replaced.

^ Back to Top

How long do we have to present our claim?

Your policy will state how long you have to present and be paid for your claim.

Usually, the policy will allow one or two years for the presentation and payment of your claim. However, you should immediately report all known claims, as failure to do so may jeopardize coverage under your policy.

^ Back to Top

Can we receive an advance payment on our claim?

Yes, we will consider advancing money to you if it will allow you to keep your business running or help you recover timely from your loss. All advances will be offset from further payments due to you.

^ Back to Top

What if we cannot agree as to the cost of our repairs or replacement value or loss of income?

The policy allows either you or us to make a written demand for appraisal of the loss if we disagree on the value of property or the amount of loss. See your property conditions section for more detail on this process.

^ Back to Top

What if we have any questions or concerns about our claim?

We encourage you to Contact Us or the independent adjuster assigned to your claim at any time, to discuss any issues about your claim.

^ Back to Top