Q. I’ve been in an accident – what now?
A. Start by reporting your claim to your agent. FACTS to collect:
• When & where the accident occurred (be as specific as possible)
• How the accident happened
• What kind of vehicle or vehicles were involved (including the year, make, and model)
• A description of the damage on each vehicle
• Names and contact information of people involved in the accident
• The extent of any injuries to people involved in the accident
• Names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident
• The law enforcement agency that responded and the police report number, if police were contacted
• Any pictures you have taken, to document & support your claim
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Q. I have damage to my property-what now?
A. Call your agent and let them know:
• When the incident occurred.
• A general description of what happened.
• Location of the damaged property and what was damaged.
• Condition of the home and if it is still livable.
• If temporary repairs are needed.
• If the fire or police department was contacted, which department responded and any report number.
• Your contact information and the best time to reach you
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Q. Do I need to protect my home from further damage?
A. YES, once it is safe to do so, it is your responsibility to protect your property from further damage.
• Take photos to document damage, then arrange for reasonable temporary repairs such as boarding up broken windows, covering the roof, and removing debris.
• Keep a list of any temporary repairs you make to document the damage, and make sure to save your receipts.
• If possible, place damaged items in a secure area where they can be inspected. If you are unsure about an item, include it with the damaged property.
• If you have fire or smoke damage, do not try to clean the damaged items. Sometimes cleaning things without the proper equipment can cause more damage.
• If you have water damage, vacuum or mop up standing water. Remove all furnishings from the damaged area. Do not run fans without dehumidifying.