Family Insurance Claims FAQs and Tips
What to do after an automobile accident?
- Check for injuries
- Call 911 for ambulance, if needed, and for police
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved
- Do not admit fault and make no promises to anyone
- Take photos of the scene and vehicles, if safe to do so
- Report the accident as soon as possible to us or to your insurance company
Do I need to obtain a copy of the police report?
No, either we or the company will obtain it.
We will complete your Department of Safety Proof of Insurance form (SR-21)
What to do after a property loss?
- Call the police or fire department, if appropriate
- Take photos before making any temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage.
- Retain receipts for any such temporary repairs
- Secure all damaged property and retain for inspection by adjuster
How many estimates do I need to get?
Most companies will send an adjuster or appraiser to inspect your damage. If the damage is minimal you may get one estimate. Most companies have preferred body shops and other repairers. Check your company’s website for a list or call us.
We have payment authority for small claims. Call us to see if yours qualifies.
Before reporting a claim to the company, determine if the damage will significantly exceed your deductible. If not, consider paying out of pocket. Call us to discuss.
Helpful links:
- Home & Auto Safety videos: http://www.iii.org/media/av/jetski/
- Yellow Pages (for repairers): http://www.realpageslive.com
- Know Your Stuff Home Inventory tool: http://www.knowyourstuff.org
- Reduce Your Exposure to Home Burglaries (.pdf) (Copyright 2010 International Risk Management Institute, Inc. http://www.irmi.com/)
What others say about us and the companies that we represent:
Customer Comments
- “Any contact I’ve had with Strate Insurance Group has been handled with courtesy, professionalism and friendliness. Our 15 year association with Strate has been great!”
- “I was treated very courteously and the overall handling of my claim was excellent!”
- “I would recommend Strate Insurance Group to someone else, in fact, I already have several times. Great job!”
Comments About the Companies we Represent
- Hanover Insurance Group May 8, 2009 the A.M. Best Company upgraded the financial strength ratings of its property and casualty companies to “A” from “A-.” The Hanover is the only significant financial services company to be upgraded by A.M. Best, Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s since January 2008.
- Auto-Owners Insurance was rated “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Claims Experience, Three Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates.
- Westfield Group awards Strate Insurance with the Superior Agency Claims Services (ACS) Award for 2008. This award is in recognition of actively handling claims, delivering outstanding customer service and meeting Westfield’s strict claims handling guidelines.
- Safeco was recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for providing outstanding Customer Service. Safeco recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for providing – An Outstanding Customer Service Experience
