05/18/2026
Helpful Claim Information
Not every loss warrants a claim. One of the most valuable things your advisor can do is help you evaluate whether filing a claim is the right decision.
Insurance companies typically review several years of claims history during the renewal process and when quoting new coverage. That means a claim filed today can influence pricing, renewal terms, and your ability to move to another carrier down the line. Even withdrawn or denied claims may still appear on your record.
Before filing, contact your Agent to discuss:
Your deductible relative to the loss
Your recent claims history
The likelihood of a meaningful payout
For many clients, particularly those with higher deductibles, insurance is best reserved for significant, unexpected losses. Smaller or borderline claims can carry longer-term implications that typically outweigh the short-term benefit.
When a Claim Happens: What to Do Next
If a loss occurs, the first step is to prevent further damage. For example, in a water loss scenario, engaging a mitigation company quickly can limit the extent of damage and keep the claim moving forward.
From there, documentation is critical:
Take detailed photos and videos of damage
Keep all damaged items until advised otherwise
Save receipts, estimates, and related documentation
For auto claims, collect the other party’s information
Once a claim is filed, you can typically expect contact from a claims adjuster from your insurance carrier within 24–48 hours. They will begin evaluating the loss, explain what may be covered, and outline next steps.
Clear and timely communication plays a significant role in how smoothly a claim progresses. The most common issues that delay claims include:
Not responding to the adjuster promptly
Not providing requested documentation
Delays in obtaining estimates or selecting vendors
If questions arise or something feels unclear, your Agent can help provide context and communicate with the adjuster to keep the process on track.
Send a message to learn more