Claims

General

• Claims should be viewed as an opportunity… to either look good to your carrier or to look bad to your carrier (based on organization, cooperation, etc…)
• Documentation is critical
• You should have written procedures for staff to follow

Property/Builders’ Risk

• Immediately notify the proper authorities (fire, police, subdivision security, etc…)
• Take photographs to document the loss
• Have as much documentation available for adjuster (video tape or photographs, receipts, police reports, copies of related policies, etc…)
• In the event of an emergency or delayed response from authorities, take steps to prevent further damage (have video evidence of damages and steps taken
• Keep written notes of all contact and any correspondence (If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen)

Commercial automobile

• Immediately notify the proper authorities (fire, police, subdivision security, etc…) regardless of how minor the accident seems
• Take photographs to document the loss
• Have as much documentation available for adjuster (video tape or photographs, receipts, police reports, copies of related policies, etc…)
• Make careful notes detailing the who, what, when, where details of the claim and getting contact information for any witnesses (avoid subjective statements such as it appears, in my opinion, etc…)

Workers’ Compensation

• All WC incidents should be reported to your agent/carrier using the Acord First Report of Injury form
• Claims reports need to be detailed as to the nature of the injury, how it occurred, any witnesses and should be reported as “alleged” if there are suspicious circumstances
• You or your carrier determine which medical care provider and/or facility should see the injured employee

General Liability

• Immediately notify agent/carrier of potential incident
• Take photographs if necessary to document the alleged loss
• Have as much documentation available for adjuster (photographs, subcontractor certificates and contracts, copies of related policies, etc…)
• Keep written notes of all contact and any correspondence (If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen)