1. Contact us. Your Agent at Potter-Holden can be a valuable advisor in the event of a mishap. He/she can help you to determine if an event is covered, or if it is advisable to report as a claim, and at the same time give you some direction as to how to proceed. He/she will also have contact information for your insurance company.
2. Notify the insurance company promptly. It is important to report your claim to the insurance company as soon as possible even if you don't have all of the information. Your adjuster will be in frequent contact with you throughout the claims handling process, and will give you plenty of opportunities to provide additional and relevant information. You will be given a claim number and contact name that help you expedite handling the rest of the claim. You should keep the claim number handy to aid in future correspondence.

3. Notify other relevant and appropriate authorities. For example, in the case of theft or crime that causes damage to your property, it is important to notify the police. If your loss involves a credit card, electronic funds transfer, forgery, or counterfeit loss, notify your credit card company or bank.

4. Protect damaged property from further damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs as soon as possible, and address any hazardous situations. For example, if windows are broken, have them boarded up to protect your home/business against vandalism or weather damage. Many carriers will be able to provide you with a list of emergency contractors that may be able to help you by doing temporary repairs or clean up to prevent damage. Most insurance companies will ask that you do not authorize permanent repairs until speaking with a claims adjuster.

5. Separate damaged and undamaged property, and prepare an inventory. In order to complete an  assessment of the loss, your claims representative will need to inspect all damaged property. If possible, do not discard damaged property, but place damaged items in a secure place where they can be inspected. Make a written list of what was damaged. If available, photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories are valuable resources during the itemization process. Oftentimes, if a claim is covered then it is the companys right to keep the damaged contents, and if they wish, to sell it for salvage value- so make sure not to discard anything that is safe to keep.

6. Keep receipts and bills for all expenses associated with your loss. If your property is not safe for occupancy and you must relocate, these extra costs and additional living expenses may be covered under the loss-of-use portion of your Homeowners policy. If your business suffers a property loss, it could cause the business to slow or close while repairs are made, resulting in revenue loss. Some commercial policies offer business income and extra expense protection after an insured loss. In either case, you will be required to provide proof of these expenses.
7. Cooperate with the company in its investigation. Companies must perform investigative services with teams of professional adjusters who work to actively detect and fight fraud, as well as offer an insured home or business support. It is important to cooperate with these teams by showing the damaged property, providing documentation, and submitting to an examination under oath. 

8. Submit and return a signed, sworn proof of loss. Once you have reported a claim, your insurance company will provide you with a Proof of Loss statement to sign, swearing to the facts of the loss. It includes such items as the time, date and place of the loss, insurable interests in the damaged property, other insurance in force at the time of the loss, receipts and affidavits. It is very important that you return this form within 60 days, or the date specified by your carrier.

9. Be familiar with the subrogation process. Many times, a loss to your property is caused by things beyond your control. However, if someone else is responsible for your property loss, the party who is at fault will bear the ultimate responsibility for the loss. Once your insurance company has paid your claim, they will often perform a subrogation process, and seek to recover the funds paid to you from the responsible party. You may also be asked to be involved with a subrogation team by providing additional information, securing and sending relevant evidence, and helping to identify the responsible parties. The recovery process takes time, so be patient and helpful. By assisting with the process, your insurance carrier is able to recoup some of their finances, and is able to pass on the savings on to you.

We understand that any time you experience a loss to your property, whether it be to your home or business, it can be a stressful time. Keep in mind that your agent at Potter-Holden and Company is here to assist you with any questions you may have at any point during the process, and to be your advocate with your insurance company. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to call us at 770-399-6760.