Claims Reporting

When your vehicle is damaged or stolen, one of the first things you may need to do is file an insurance claim. Even if another driver caused the damage, you have the option to file the claim with either your own insurance company if you have the appropriate coverages (a "first-party" claim) or the other driver's insurance company (a "third-party" claim).

If your car is damaged or stolen, it is important that you understand your rights and duties in both cases. Here are a few important facts regarding your rights and duties when you file a first-party claim:

Policy responsibility
You have a responsibility...

To fill out the insurance application with complete and accurate information
To get a binder from the agent after you have signed the application; use this as proof of coverage until you receive your policy and insurance I.D. card
To report any changes that affect your policy, including changes in names, addresses, drivers, or the use of your car
To list on the application all the licensed drivers who will be under the policy

Claims responsibility
You have a responsibility...

Not to file phony, padded, or fraudulent claims which ask the company to pay for losses that did not actually occur; filing fraudulent claims is a crime and you could land in jail
To report promptly any accidents or other losses to the agent or company, following the procedures in your policy
To provide all information requested by the company, agent, or adjuster
To negotiate with the adjuster when you believe the settlement offer is below what the policy requires
To pay for any losses that exceed the limits of your policy
To immediately inform the company of any claims or lawsuits that could require payment by your company

Body shop choice
The adjuster recommended a specific body shop. Can I use a different shop?
It's your car! You can have it repaired wherever you choose. But... No matter what shop you choose, the adjuster will base your claim payment on market price for the repairs and pay the local average rates for parts & labor.

What does it mean if the shop is state-certified?
To help promote fair competition between shops, Ohio has required collision repair businesses to register with the state since 1997. Look for a State of Ohio Certificate of Registration at any shop you consider.

What Must I Do after a Loss?

Protect your property from further damage or loss by making reasonable temporary repairs. For example, if you don't cover a broken windshield and rain damages the upholstery, your company could refuse to pay for the damaged upholstery.
Immediately report all losses directly to us through our 24-hour claims line 216-670-0382.
Immediately report a loss to the police if your vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver, or if you suspect vandalism or theft. Without a police report, your claim could be denied.
Collect the loss information including: description of and specific damages to all vehicles, names and addresses of all individuals involved or witnesses to the loss
Show the damaged vehicle to one of our agents before having it repaired.
Cooperate with the insurance company's investigation. If you don't cooperate, your claim could be denied.
Review the section of your insurance policy that describes your duties and other possible requirements.

What Information Must I Give My Company?

A copy of any legal document you receive as a result of an accident.
A sworn proof of loss describing the date of loss, how it happened, for what purpose the vehicle was being used, etc. If you don't submit a required proof of loss within the time period required in your policy, your claim could be denied.
When necessary we may request other documents related to the claim, such as medical and automobile repair bills, a copy of the police report, bill of sale for the vehicle, etc.
Documents for an examination under oath (e.g. tax documents, medical bills, etc.). If required, you must submit to an exam under oath. If you don't, your claim could be denied..

How Many Repair Estimates Must I Submit?

There is no law that states how many estimates you must submit or that limits the number the company can ask for.

May I Choose My Own Repair Shop?

Yes. However, if your repair shop charges more than the suggested shop, you may have to pay the difference.

If you have questions regarding the cliams process, give us a call at 216-581-1100.