Claims FAQ
- Can you explain the basic claims process?
- If my property is damaged, can I clean up or repair damages prior to the adjuster's arrival?
- Who should I contact if I have a claim for broken or damaged auto glass?
- Should I obtain estimates if my vehicle is damaged in an accident?
- How does rental reimbursement coverage work?
- Why is my lien holder/mortgagee name included on my check?
- What is a deductible?
- What is the difference between ACV (Actual Cash Value) and RC (Replacement Cost) coverage?
- Who and what does medical payments coverage cover?
The first important step is the timely reporting of the claim or accident to your local agent or directly to one of our Claims Service Centers. A claims representative will then be assigned to work with you through the process and resolve your claim. The basic process is to gather facts surrounding the loss, confirm coverage, determine liability, verify any damage, and pay fairly. During the investigation phase, you will be asked to give us information about the incident and certain documents to support any damage. Our adjusters will provide you direction and answer questions throughout the process. Working together, we strive to complete this process as quickly and fairly as possible.
If my property is damaged, can I clean up or repair damages prior to the adjuster's arrival?
If you need to make temporary or emergency repairs to protect your property from further damage, we recommend you do that. We would ask that you document these damages with photographs prior to the repair and retain receipts for documentation. Complete restoration is not recommended, as we need the opportunity to inspect and confirm the cause and origin of damages.
Who should I contact if I have a claim for broken or damaged auto glass?
If your vehicle has Other Than Collision coverage, you may contact 888-99CLAIM (888-992-5246) to report this claim. Our reliable glass network will gather the necessary details and assist you with contacting a local glass shop in your area to set an appointment. If a deductible applies, you will only be billed for this amount. The remaining portion will be billed direct to us.
Should I obtain estimates if my vehicle is damaged in an accident?
If you have Other Than Collision and/or Collision coverage, you should obtain an estimate from one or two shops that you feel could complete the repairs. The adjuster assigned to your claim will help determine if an agreed appraisal will be needed.
How does rental reimbursement coverage work?
If your vehicle becomes disabled due to a covered loss under your Other Than Collision or Collision coverage, your Personal Automobile policy automatically contains some coverage for the cost of a rental replacement. Your claims representative will work directly with the rental car company to arrange this service. To determine if your policy provides this coverage and the amount available, please refer to your local agent or claims representative.
Why is my lien holder/mortgagee name included on my check?
If our records indicate the insured property is subject to a lien, we are required to protect both the insured's interest and the lien holder's interest when payment is made for damage to the property. All checks issued with additional payees must be endorsed by all parties. Please be sure to provide updates to your agent with loss payee and mortgagee changes.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount specified in your policy that each loss must exceed before the insurance company becomes liable for additional costs. This amount will be the insured's responsibility for payment.
What is the difference between ACV (Actual Cash Value) and RC (Replacement Cost) coverage?
Replacement Cost (RC) and Actual Cash Value (ACV) are methods used to determine the amount that will be paid for a loss. Most Homeowners and Commercial Property policies provide you the option of selecting one of these bases to determine how your loss will be calculated. ACV, generally known as market value, is equal to the replacement cost minus any depreciation. It represents the amount you could expect to receive for the item if you sold it in the marketplace and takes into consideration age, wear and tear and condition. RC is defined as the cost to replace the property on the same premises with property of the same like, kind and quality.
Who and what does medical payments coverage cover?
Under Personal Automobile policies, Medical Payments coverage provides coverage to insureds and accompanying passengers when the insured vehicle is involved in an automobile accident. Named insureds and family members (as defined in the policy) are also provided this coverage if passengers in other vehicles or as a pedestrian struck by another vehicle. Medical Payments coverage pays medical bills and/or funeral costs (up to the limits selected) that are the result of the accident. This coverage is available regardless of fault.
Under Homeowners or Commercial Property policies, Medical Payments provide coverage
to visitors when they are injured on the insured premises. Medical payments coverage
pays for medical bills and funeral costs that are the result of accidents which occur
on the insured premises. This coverage is available regardless of fault.
Contact
If you still have questions after looking here,
contact our Claims Service Center at
888-99CLAIM (888-992-5246) or at
claimsreviews@colinsgrp.com,
or contact your local agent.
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