Claims
How to Handle a Claim- The Basics
Before a problem even arises, you should consider taking regular photos of your personal items. You can keep these photos in a convenient location in case you have to inventory them for a claim. You should also fully understand what property and what causes of loss are covered by your policy. Chavana Insurance clients are always welcome to sit down and speak with us about their coverage. You should also understand your deductible.
If you have a loss, your safety comes first. Once you are safe, report your insurance claim as soon as possible (instructions to follow). The earlier a carrier learns of your claim, the quicker it can get you on the road to recovery.
Disclaimer: The advice contained here is not exhaustive and may or may not be effective to satisfy your policy. You should use your judgment and refer to your policy to implement any one of these suggestions.
Assess The Damage
Determine whether your property is safe. This includes looking for new risks that arose as a result of the cause of loss. Make a list and take pictures/video of the observed damage. Remember, the more documentation, the better.
Take Action
Report the loss and contact the appropriate emergency department (e.g. the police in the event of loss by theft; the fire department if a fire loss).
Take steps to mitigate or prevent further loss. This includes, for example, making reasonable temporary repairs (e.g. using a tarp to cover an exposed roof; covering broken windows; turning off water when there is a leaky pipe). Preventing further damage is your duty under most circumstance. Your exact duty is set out by your insurance contract, but many carriers only require that you make reasonable efforts to prevent further losses.
Report Your Claim
If you have a policy with Chavana Insurance, your first choice might be to make an insurance claim by calling our office at 713-695-3072. Having your policy number ready would be a great help. We are happy to take your claim, but you are also welcome to contact your carrier directly. In times of natural disasters, our office phone lines might be down, and calling the carrier directly might make sense:
Flood Carriers
Chavana Insurance places flood policies almost exclusively through Wright Flood. Call Wright Flood at 1-877-270-4329 to make a claim.
Homeowners and Dwelling Insurance Carriers
ASI Lloyds (Progressive Affiliate) can be reached at 1-866-ASI-LOSS
American Risk Insurance (ARI) can be reached at 713-559-3600.
Wellington Insurance can be reached at 1-800-447-6465.
Columbia Lloyds can be reached at 1-800-275-6768.
Atlas General can be reached at 1-866-522-0361.
Texas Fair Plan can be reached at 1-800-979-6440.
Auto Carriers
Progressive can be reached at 1-800-274-4499.
ACCC can be reached at 281-919-0150.
Infinity can be reached at 1-800-INFINITY.
Mendota can be reached at 1-800-422-0793.
Aggressive can be reached at 866-424-9514.
Commercial Claims
Commercial claims should be reported to Chavana Insurance at 713-695-3072.
After Reporting
After reporting a claim, make sure you obtain your claim number. Your claim number will help you easily reference your claim in the future. Feel free to reasonably follow up with the adjuster and claims representative. Most importantly, make sure to provide the adjuster and the representatives the information they request in a timely manner.
Consider getting a written quote from a trustworthy professional of your choosing. Having a reasonable quote before your adjuster visit may give you a point of reference that you might not otherwise have. You should consider asking the professional for a copy of her commercial liability insurance certificate of insurance and you may want to make sure the type of work they are doing is covered under their policy.
You can ask for a copy of their certificate of insurance with your name listed as a certificate holder. This will tend to show that the insurance is valid on the date the contractor starts work. You can also ask that their line of work be listed under remarks. For example, you do not want someone who is covered for plumbing to do your roof.
You make ask to be listed as an additional insured with a waiver of subrogation under their policy, but expect to pay between $75 to $250 for that coverage. This would typically cover you in the event that the contractor causes damage to a neighbor’s person or property. Insurance will not typically protect against fraud, so make sure that you select someone who doesn’t take your down payment and leave town.
Insurance companies and their agents will not typically choose, recommend or supervise the repairs to your house. The repairs are your duty. The carrier’s duty is to pay your loss, subject to the terms of your policy. If you have replacement cost coverage, you will typically have to actually make the repairs to the house to get the remainder of your claim paid.
Summary
In sum, when you experience a loss, you should take certain steps while making an insurance claim on your carrier:
- Secure your safety
- Assess your loss
- Take action-prevent further loss
- Call your carrier
- Obtain your claim number
- Follow up on your claim-making sure to provide any information and documentation requested by the claims adjuster
- Make your repairs, using a reputable contractor, to obtain your entire replacement cost claim
