The claim process may begin in one of two ways. After reporting a loss, your insurance company/carrier may send you a claim form, known as a "loss notice form" to complete or an adjuster may visit your home or business first, before you're asked to fill out any forms. An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess the damage. In either case, the more information you have about your damaged possessions - a description of the item, the date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair - the faster your claim generally can be settled.

What to do after an accident

If you are ever in an accident, follow these simple steps:

• Make sure that everyone involved is safe.

• Notify the police.

• Write down the following information:

  • Location, date, and time;

  • Names, addresses, and license numbers of other drivers and passengers;

  • License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions;

  • Injuries to you and others, if any;

  • Names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.

Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

1.  Give immediate notice to your insurance company of your home insurance claim. Call your agent of any damages you feel you will need to file a claim for. Your agent will give you information on what steps to take next for your particular policy. It is best to keep your insurance agent's phone number and policy number in your wallet so you will have the information if it is not accessible in your home. Also, keep track of all communication by you and your home insurance agent regarding your home owners insurance claim.

2.  Document and assess the damage to your property. Try to document damage by using a video camera and/or digital camera along with written documentation of all damage you immediately notice and keep those documentation items handy for any future damage you discover.

3.  Make any temporary repairs you can. You are responsible for preventing future damage, so try to make any immediate repairs you can such as putting a tarp over a leaky roof.

4.  Compile a list of items you suspect are damaged or missing. Go one room at a time and have the whole family there to help remember everything that was previously in the room. If you have replacement cost coverage on your personal property items, many of your items should be replaced new, even if their current value is below that cost (ex: a new couch will replace an old couch that may have been only worth a few dollars) so it is important to remember everything that was damaged. This step is much easier if previously an inventory list of items was already compiled and kept in a safe place away from the home.

5.  Wait patiently. If your area has just been through a severe disaster, people with more severe damage will most likely be handled first. Keep in touch with your home insurance agent during your waiting period to get updates on how your home owners insurance claim is coming along.

Preparing for an Adjuster's Visit

Make lists of the damaged items. If possible, take photographs of the damage, and put together a set of records - old receipts, bills and photographs - to help establish the price and age of everything that needs to be replaced or repaired. Write down brand names and model numbers of appliances and electronic equipment. Don't forget to list items such as clothing, sports equipment, tools, china, linens, outside furniture, holiday decorations, and hobby materials.

Don't throw out damaged furniture and other expensive items as the adjuster will want to see them. If your property was destroyed or you no longer have any records, you will have to work from memory. Try to picture the contents of every room and then write a description of what was there. Try also to remember where and when you bought each piece and about how much you paid. It may also speed up the settlement of your claim if you find out how much it will cost to replace the destroyed items.

Building Damage

Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises, like a garage, tool shed or in-ground swimming pool. Make a list of everything you would like to show the adjuster when he or she arrives - for example, cracks in the walls, damage to the floor or ceiling and missing roof tiles. If structural damage is likely even though you can't see any signs of it, discuss this with your adjuster. In some cases, the adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer or architect to inspect the property. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for such inspections.

If possible, get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on the repair work. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.

Give yourself several days before the adjuster arrives to complete your lists. It will take time to assess the damage. Although you can always notify the adjuster of any additional items you overlooked, this may slow up your claim settlement. Be sure to keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you.

What is a Premium Audit

A premium audit is our means of obtaining information to determine the actual payrolls, sales or other variable information that is used to calculate your insurance premium.

Why is an Audit necessary?

When your policy was issued, your premium was based on your estimate of variable rating information, such as payroll or sales. An insurance audit is performed to determine what the actual premium should be based on your company's actual results.