Navigating the Business Insurance claim process can be complicated. When you are in business, some insurance claims are inevitable and always inconvenient. To complicate matters, a claim may involve many different insurance coverages like liability, property, crime, mobile equipment, loss of income, vehicles, and injured employees.   

Contact your American Insurance Agent and/or Customer Service Representative for essential help with a claim. We are with you from start to finish!  

Insurance is the financial safety net for your business, allowing you to recover from costly unexpected events and emergencies. Follow these steps to file your claim and get your business back on track.

HERE ARE 7 KEY POINTS TO UNDERSTANDING THE CLAIMS PROCESS:

1. Emergencies - Call 911 for police and/or medical assistance when needed. Get to safety. Help others, if qualified and able to do so safely.
2. Non-emergencies – For auto accidents with injuries & substantial damage or to report a crime you will need to contact Police and make a Police Report. Preserve the scene and protect property from further damage if you can do so safely. Take pictures with your phone, get names and contact information of witnesses. For auto accidents, fill out an Auto Accident Report Guide; for Premises or Operations accidents, fill out an Accident Report form.
3. Contact American Insurance, promptly – as soon as possible, please call us to discuss your loss and how to make a claim. We will take the following steps…
   a.   Listen and document your loss details. Do not begin any repairs or take any actions unless discussed with us first or until you talk with the Adjuster.  
   b.  Review your insurance coverage to verify the coverage available for the loss including any deductibles or self-insurance that may apply (see 5c.)
   c.  Provide advice on the next steps and how the claim process will proceed.
4. Filing a Claim – We will file a claim on your behalf and facilitate your contact with an assigned insurance company adjuster, and…
   a.  Provide you the Claim Number assigned to your claim that should be noted on all correspondence and documentation.
   b.  Provide contact information (name, phone, email) for the assigned adjuster and facilitate your first contact.
   c.  Monitor your claim progress and be your advocate for a fast, fair settlement.
5. Adjuster – the assigned Adjuster represents the insurance company and is responsible for the claim investigation, and…
   a. The Adjuster will determine any coverage that may apply to your loss.
   b. Only the Adjuster can accept liability for your claim on behalf of the company.
   c. Final settlement offers and claim payments can only be made by the adjuster.
   d. You may be assigned more than one Adjuster for different coverage parts of your claim (in-house adjuster, field adjuster, auto physical damage adjuster, etc).  
6. Proof of Loss – You will be required to complete a "sworn proof of loss" form, which includes the information necessary for the investigation of the claim.  Your other responsibilities include:
   a.  Your policy requires you to cooperate with the Adjuster to settle your claim.
   b.  Your statements should be true and accurate to the best of your recollection.
   c.  You may be required to provide documentation to establish your ownership or value of lost property (like inventories, receipts, pictures).  
7. Repair Contractors – You have the right to choose your own repair contractor or auto repair facility. However, it is best to do business with recognized and experienced restoration or repair contractors that work regularly with insurance companies and know their estimating systems and methods. Ultimately, the Adjuster’s estimate and agreed settlement payment must match the repair contractor’s estimate or you will be responsible for the cost difference.

Most claims are routine and easy, but occasionally they are large and complex. In every case, when you have questions or need help in any way during the claim process, please re-contact your Agent.  

Together, you and your American Insurance agent can reduce stress and delays, keep the claim moving, and keep your business going with the least disruption.  Contact Us for more information.

See related story - BUSINESS INSURANCE: Before a Claim