What is an insurance claim?
An insurance claim is a formal request made to an insurance carrier for compensation after a loss. After a claim is filed, the insurance carrier investigates the incident to determine liability, coverage, and any potential payment. Examples of covered losses could include car accidents, theft and storm damage to a home.
How to file an insurance claim
Whether you’re filing an auto or home claim, the process is generally the same. After the incident, make sure you move to a safe location, then contact your insurer and share the important details with them.
Information you’ll need includes:
- Your contact information
- Contact information of anyone else involved
- Date, time and location of incident
- Description of what happened
- Any photos or videos of the damage or scene, if available
- Police report number, if applicable
From there, your insurance carrier will assign a claim number and a claims adjuster to your specific claim. The adjuster can explain your coverage and answer any questions you may have.
How long does it take to resolve a claim?
The length of time to resolve a claim depends on many factors, including the type of incident, the number of people involved, and the extent of the damage. Straightforward claims, such as those involving property damage, can take as little as a week to resolve, while complex claims, such as a multi-vehicle accident with injuries, can take months to resolve. A lot depends on how much evidence the claims adjuster needs to gather.
At Plymouth Rock, we understand that any claim can be stressful. Whether you’ve suffered damage to your vehicle, home or property, our claims process is designed to ease that stress. We’ll guide you through every step, so you can receive your payment as quickly as possible.
How does Plymouth Rock make auto claims easy?
If your vehicle is damaged and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
CarPics® Photo Appraisals
Our photo appraisal tool lets you submit your claim quickly and easily right from your phone through our mobile app. In many cases, it eliminates the need for an in-person inspection.
Crashbusters® Mobile Claim Service
A Crashbusters representative will meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
Door to Door Valet Claim Service®
We’ll pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish, using the Door to Door shop of your choice. If you have rental coverage, we’ll help coordinate a rental car.Â
Claim terms explained
The process for filing an insurance claim may be unfamiliar. Here are some key terms and definitions that will assist with the process:
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Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket towards repair or replacement costs before your insurance policy kicks in. A higher deductible means you’ll pay more in the event of a covered claim, but it could also lower your premium. -
Actual cash value
Actual cash value (ACV) is what an item was worth before an accident or damage happened. ACV factors in depreciation due to age or wear and tear. -
Replacement cost value
Replacement cost value (RCV) is the full cost to replace an item with a new item at today’s prices. RCV does not factor in depreciation due to age or wear and tear. -
Total loss
A total loss is when the cost to repair your vehicle exceeds its insured value.
What if I can’t live in my home until repairs are completed?
- Temporary housing
- Food and meals
- Transportation
- Storage
- Pet boarding
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Common FAQs about auto and home insurance claims:
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your car when it hits another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from non-collision damage like fire, theft, vandalism or fallen trees. Both are optional car insurance coverages that help protect your vehicle in different situations.
You should file a claim for a windshield replacement or glass repair if the repair cost is higher than your auto insurance deductible. For example, if your deductible is $250 and a new windshield costs $450, your insurer will pay the additional $200.
You should wait for a claims adjuster to inspect the damage before starting permanent repairs. However, if your home requires emergency, temporary repairs (e.g., water removal, roof or window board-up, etc.), you should do that right away to prevent further damage. Be sure to document all repairs with photos and receipts.
Home insurance policies provide coverage for additional living expenses when your home is unlivable due to severe covered damage. This includes reimbursing you for temporary housing, meals and other related expenses. Your claims adjuster will discuss your coverage with you. Please save receipts for the costs you incur.
If you have a contractor in mind, you can ask them for an estimate. If that estimate differs from the one your insurance carrier sends you, your claims adjuster will work with your contractor to reach an agreement on the cost of repairs.