Something happened. Here's what to do.
First, make sure everyone is safe. Everything else on this page can wait a few minutes.
In the first hour
Four things that matter
Get everyone safe
Medical attention first, always. Call the police for any accident, injury, theft, vandalism or fire — the report number makes everything afterwards easier.
Stop further damage
Shut off the water, board the window, tarp the roof — whatever prevents it getting worse, if you can do it safely. Keep the receipts; those costs are usually covered.
Photograph everything
Before anything is cleaned up or repaired. Wide shots and close-ups, from several angles. More is better, and it costs you nothing.
Report it promptly
Most policies require prompt notice. Delay is one of the few things that can genuinely jeopardise an otherwise valid claim.
Don't do this
Three mistakes that cost people money
Throwing away the damaged property. The adjuster may want to see it. Photograph it and keep it somewhere out of the way until you are told otherwise.
Authorising permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen it. Emergency work to prevent further damage is fine and expected. Full reconstruction is not — wait for the adjuster.
Guessing at the other driver's details. Photograph their license, insurance card and plate. Memory is unreliable and so is handwriting at the roadside.
What to have ready
You do not need all of this to start a claim — call first and gather the rest afterwards. But having it to hand makes the first conversation much shorter.
- Your policy number, or just your name and address — we can look it up
- The date, time and location of the loss
- What happened, in your own words
- Police or fire report number, if there is one
- Names, phone numbers and insurance details of anyone else involved
- Photos and video of the damage
- Contact details for any witnesses
How to file
There are three routes, and none of them is wrong.
Call us
During office hours, (732) 640-1185. We will take the details, report it to the carrier and stay with it. This is the option most people want, and the one where you have to explain the least.
File directly with your carrier
Every carrier runs a 24-hour claim line, which matters at 2am on a Sunday. Report it to them, then let us know the claim number so we can follow it with you.
Every carrier's claim line is listed below ↓ Your carrier's name is on your ID card, your declarations page and in the client portal.
Use the client portal
The client portal has your policy documents and a claim reporting option, available any time.
What happens next
The carrier assigns an adjuster, usually within one to two business days. They will contact you to inspect the damage or review your documentation. Depending on the claim you may be asked for a recorded statement, repair estimates, or proof of ownership for damaged items.
Keep a note of every conversation — who you spoke to, when, and what was said. Keep every receipt connected to the loss, including temporary repairs, additional living expenses and rental cars.
If the process stalls, or something does not look right, call us. Chasing a slow claim is part of what you are paying an independent agency for, and we would rather hear about it early.
Should I file at all?
An honest answer: not always. For a loss barely above your deductible, the claim may cost you more in future premium than it pays out today. Call and ask before you file — we will tell you straight, and asking does not start a claim.
24/7 claim lines
Every carrier, one page
Start typing to find yours. These lines are open around the clock — you do not have to wait for our office to open.
No carrier by that name here. Call us on (732) 640-1185 and we will find it for you.
Numbers change from time to time. If one does not connect, call the office and we will get you to the right place. Reporting directly to a carrier does not replace telling us — we follow every claim we know about.
Questions we get during a claim
Will filing a claim raise my rate?
It can, and it depends on the type of claim, your history and the carrier. A not-at-fault claim usually affects you less than an at-fault one, and some carriers offer accident forgiveness. If the loss is close to your deductible, call us before filing and we will help you weigh it.
How long does a claim take?
A straightforward auto claim can settle in days. A large property loss can take months, because the rebuild itself takes months. The first adjuster contact should come within a couple of business days — if it does not, tell us.
Can I use my own repair shop or contractor?
Generally yes. Carriers have preferred networks that can be faster and come with a workmanship guarantee, but you are usually free to choose. Ask us about your specific policy.
What if my claim is denied?
Ask for the denial in writing with the specific policy language it relies on, then call us. Denials are sometimes based on incomplete information, and they can be reconsidered. We will look at the policy with you and push back where there is a case.
Do I pay my deductible up front?
Usually the deductible is subtracted from the claim payment rather than paid separately. On a repair, the shop typically collects it from you when you pick up the vehicle or on completion of the work.
If you are not sure, call us.
There is no wrong question during a claim, and asking one does not commit you to filing.