3 minute readClaims
A claim number is issued, an adjuster is assigned, and they contact you to inspect or gather documentation. From there it is scope, estimate, payment, and — on property claims — a second payment once repairs are complete. Your job is documentation and prompt responses.
What you need to know
Who does what
The adjuster determines coverage and value; your agent advocates and translates.
Documentation speeds everything
Photos, receipts, estimates, and a written timeline shorten the process more than phone calls do.
Payments in stages
Expect an initial payment, then supplements and holdback release as work progresses.
Common mistakes
- Cleaning up or repairing before documenting the damage.
- Delaying the report on anything involving injuries or another party.
- Filing small claims that cost more in renewal pricing than they pay.
- Accepting a denial without asking for the specific policy language.
- Signing contractor paperwork assigning claim benefits without reading it.
When to talk to an agent
Call before you file if you can. We will tell you how the loss is likely to be handled, what to document, and whether filing makes sense — and we stay involved once the claim is open.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.