General FAQs

How do I file a claim with my carrier?

Quick answer: Use the claims phone or portal on your carrier page or policy documents, or call us and we will help you start the claim and walk you through what to expect.

What information do I need before filing a claim?

Every carrier operates its own claims process. The phone number, online portal link, and mobile app for your carrier are listed on that carrier’s page on our site and printed in your policy documents. Having both locations means you can reach claims even if you lose one source.

Before you call or log in, gather a few things:

  • Your policy number (on your declarations page or insurance ID card)
  • The date and approximate time of the loss
  • A clear description of what happened (location, sequence of events, any other parties involved)
  • Photos or video of the damage, taken as soon as it is safe to do so
  • Contact information for any witnesses or other drivers, if the loss involved third parties
  • A police report number, if law enforcement responded

What does the claims adjuster do after I report a loss?

Once you report the loss, the carrier assigns a claims adjuster. The adjuster’s job is to inspect the damage, confirm what your policy covers, and move the claim toward a settlement or denial. Response timelines vary by carrier, claim complexity, and state. Most states require carriers licensed and admitted there to acknowledge a claim within a set number of days and resolve it in good faith; Georgia’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance, for example, maintains a public lookup at oci.georgia.gov to verify a carrier’s admitted status.

How should I document my claim throughout the process?

Document everything throughout the process. Keep a log of every call (date, time, the adjuster’s name, and what was said). Save all written correspondence. If the carrier requests additional documentation, submit it in writing and retain a copy. Gaps in documentation are one of the most common reasons claim settlements take longer than expected.

For example, if an adjuster calls to discuss a roof damage claim, note the date, the adjuster’s name, and every item discussed. That log becomes valuable if the claim is delayed or disputed later.

Can my insurance agent help me file a claim?

You can also call us directly. We will contact the carrier on your behalf, help you open the claim, and walk you through each stage. That is part of what an independent agent does. We represent you, not the carrier, so we can flag issues, ask the right questions, and make sure the adjuster has what they need to move things forward.

For example, if the carrier requests a detailed proof-of-loss form and you are unsure how to complete it, an agent can review the form with you and help you submit a response that does not inadvertently leave out information the adjuster needs.

What if I am unsure what my policy covers while a claim is open?

If you are uncertain what your policy covers before a loss happens, or while a claim is open, a coverage review can clarify your limits, deductibles, and any exclusions that apply to your specific situation. A licensed advisor can walk through your policy line by line and tell you where you stand.

Schedule a free coverage review to go over your policy before you ever need to file a claim.