Claims

• What happens when I report an auto collision?
• Do I have any responsibilities after an auto loss occurs?
• We are getting ready to go on vacation, what are some steps we should take to prepare our home?

What happens when I report an auto collision?

After a collision, call us as quickly as possible. By working with us, you can decide whether it’s worthwhile to submit a claim to your carrier. If you decide to report a claim, we can take the information and then contact your insurer to set up the claim. A claims adjuster will usually contact you within one business day of reporting. The claims adjuster will continue to gather information, conduct an investigation of exactly how the collision occurred and respond to the damages to your auto and your injuries. You may have more than one adjustor if you have a serious claim. If necessary, the process of determining liability may take weeks or even months.

As a client of Rogers & Norman, our claims specialist will be there to assist through the entire process so you can be certain that your claim is handled efficiently and in your best interest.

Do I have any responsibilities after an auto loss occurs?

Yes. They may include, but are not limited to the following:

• • Contact us as soon as possible and provide all the information you know on the time, place and circumstances of the incident. Please include name, address, phone number, year/make/license plate of the auto and insurance company/policy number of the other party involved in the collision.
• • Inform us of any claimants, witnesses and insured parties.
• • Forward all written material you receive to your agent &/or insurance carrier.
• • You or any other covered insured shall not, except at your own cost, voluntarily make any payment, assume any obligation or incur any expenses.
• • You must cooperate with the insurance company in the investigation, settlement or defense of any claim or suit.

We are getting ready to go on vacation, what are some steps we should take to prepare our home?

• • Discontinue any daily or weekly deliveries such as the newspaper.
• • Have a family member or trusted neighbor pick up mail and advertising circulars, and keep an eye on the house.
• • Store ladders, bicycles, and lawn and garden equipment in a locked garage or out-building.
• • If you have a home alarm system, let the provider know you plan to be away. You may need to set up an alternative access code if you are having someone check on your home.
• • Use automatic timers to turn on lights and radio or television at an appropriate time.
• • Don’t post your planned vacation to Facebook or other social media sites, or leave a message on your phone disclosing your plans.
• • If you will be gone for over 5 days, turn off your water supply. Many of the most severe water damage claims occur while people are on vacation and cannot stop the water flow.
• • If you will be gone for an extended period of time, arrange for someone to mow the lawn.