Claims Process

We know that suffering a loss from an auto accident or damage to your home, can be a very stressful experience. While we hope you never experience such a loss, at Insurance Associates, we are committed to providing our customers with the best claims handling experience possible. Our Claims Department assists you in filing your claim and will answer most questions you have about what to expect during the claim process. We strive to partner with your insurance carrier to provide prompt and professional service.

Reporting a Claim

Online Claim Submission Form

What to Do When a Loss Occurs

Automobile Losses

Property Losses

It is important that you do not alter the condition of your house before an adjuster does an inspection, no matter what type of loss you have. However, for the following emergencies, there are some immediate and/or temporary measures you can take to prevent further damage.

Water Losses

Fire Losses

Lightning Loss

Hail, Thunder and Wind Losses

Tornado

Windshield or glass only repair or replacement

Preparing for a Weather Emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

Claim Reporting 24/7

Reporting a Claim

There are several ways to report your claim to us. Faster reporting means quicker response and settlement of your claim.

• Call our Claims Department at 513-424-2481. Our Claims Manager or a member of our staff will handle your call and answer any question that you have. Within minutes, we will submit your claim filed with the insurance company. If you are calling after hours, please leave a message and we will contact you the following day.
• Report your claim online. Report your claim anytime, any place. We will contact you the next business day.
• Report the claim directly to your agent.
• Report your claim directly to your insurance carrier. After hour phone numbers of many companies are provided under Claim Reporting 24/7.

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Automobile Losses

• Stay as calm as possible
• Make sure everyone is OK - call 911 if necessary
• Call the police
• Exchange contact information including insurance information of all parties, names and phone numbers of witnesses
• Do not discuss fault or blame at the scene or the details of the accident with the other party

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Water Losses

You may need to take certain temporary measures if you have a water loss of any type. Listed below are some temporary and immediate measures you may wish to take:

• Temporary repairs to a leaking roof or pipes
• Remove water and dry any affected areas(if you require assistance, there are 24 hour emergency services)

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Fire Losses

• Never go back in a burning building - stay out of the house until cleared to re-enter by the Fire Department
• If necessary, temporarily "board up" windows and doors

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Lightning Losses

• Protect yourself and others
• Call for emergency response including the Fire department if there is smoke or fire, and the utility company for downed wires, etc.
• Do not turn on electricity until the utility company has made any necessary repairs
• Make any temporary repairs to keep the premises safe and secure as soon as possible

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Hail, Thunder and Wind Losses

Thunderstorms often bring heavy rains and wind, hail, lightning and sometimes tornadoes. Sometime there is warning ahead of the storm, other times there is not. There are several things you can do to prepare to keep your family safe and secure.

• Secure outdoor furniture
• Secure shutters, doors and windows
• Turn on your weather radio
• Do not handle electrical equipment or telephones
• Avoid bathtubs, sinks, metal pipes and other metal objects as they can be electrical conductors
• Take cover as quickly as possible

If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm:

• Try to get to the nearest building or car or stay low to the ground while watching for flash flooding
• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as bicycles, golf clubs, fishing rods, etc.
• If you are driving, it is safer to pull onto the shoulder away from trees. Stay in the vehicle and turn on emergency flashers.

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Tornado

It is important to prepare a "survival" kit including bottled water, battery operated weather radio and flashlight. Remember those extra batteries as well.

As soon as possible, seek shelter from windows. Basements and storm cellars are very good shelters, or take cover in a bathroom, closet or under a sturdy pieces of furniture.

If you are in a car, do not keep driving or try to "outrun" the storm. Stop the car and look for a shelter - if there is none, lie in a low area such as a ditch.

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Windshield or Glass Only Repair or Replacement

Some companies have special glass repair and replacement programs. For more specific details, call your company using the number provided.

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Preparing for a Weather Emergency

• Keep a record of important phone numbers
• Inventory personal and business belongings before a loss occurs. Update your inventory often!
• Record your inventory one area at a time filling in purchase date, purchase price and estimated replacement cost. Pictures and videos are recommended to document special collectible items or antiques and date them. Save receipts, invoices, warranties, and other documentation.
• Store your inventory in a secure place away from the home or business. A safe or safe deposit box are good sources.
• Prepare a Storm Survival Kit that includes such items as first aid supplies, flashlights (and extra batteries), battery powered radio, blankets and bottled water.

Additional information is available to help you protect your family and/or business. Although nothing can be done to prevent storms or some other hazards, there are actions you can take for safety. The Centers for Disease Control has a web site for Emergency Response and Preparation. The Centers for Disease Control web site includes information on several types of emergency situations. There are several links within the web site that include information on preparing for severe weather.

Remember ...Homeowners policies have limits for certain types of personal property including jewelry, securities, coins, art and other valuables. For more information, please contact your agent for details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will it take for an adjuster to contact me?

A: In most situations, you will receive a first contact within 24-48 hours.

Q: What should i do until an adjuster contacts me?

A: It is important that you help minimize a claim by taking immediate measures whenever possible. Temporary measures such as boarding up windows, doors, securing locks, and drying up standing water should be taken. Be careful not to alter the area of loss in such a way the adjuster can not do an investigation.

Q: Do I obtain estimates for my damages?

A: You may be asked to obtain two or three estimates for damages, however it is fine to wait until you speak with an adjuster.

Q: Could you provide the name of a body shop that will do repairs for me?

A: Most companies allow insureds to obtain estimates for repair from the body shop of their choice. If you would like the names of shops, please feel free to ask the adjuster or Insurance Associates.

Q: Could you provide the name of a contractor to board up my roof or the name of a company to help me dry out water in my home?

A: Companies allow insured to locate and work with contractors in their area. If you would like the name of contractors, ask your adjuster or Insurance Associates.

Q: I have water standing in my basement...how do I remove it?

A: There are companies that specialize in water remediation or drying. They can help you start drying out water saturated areas.

Q: There is water standing in my basement... is that a covered loss?

A: Details of the loss and your policy will need to be evaluated by an adjuster before a coverage determination can be made. In the interim, it is important you move quickly to start drying up water saturated areas.

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Claim Reporting 24/7

After hour claim reporting is available in several ways. You can report your claim directly to Insurance Associates by dialing 888-423-2488 after hours or accessing our on-line report form. Simply click on the link titled Online Claim Submission Form. If you want to report a claim immediately, many companies provide service hours 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Allied Insurance Company:

After Hours Claim Reporting Service Center: 1-800-282-1446

Auto Owners Insurance Company (or Homeowners Insurance Company)

After Hours 1-800-568-6074

Central Insurance Company:

• During the Hours of 8:00am to 7:30pm (EST): 1-888-263-2924
• After Hours and Weekends: 1-800-241-2541.
• Glass Claims: 1-866-310-4753 or 1-800-988-9808
• Internet Claim Reporting: Access Central Insurance web site at central-insurance.com, then Click on Just for Policyholders.

Cincinnati Insurance Company

Report claims directly to Insurance Associates at 513-424-2481 or 1-888-423-2488. All claims involving Glass damage only, 1-877-588-4527

Encompass Insurance Company:

Report claims any time to 1-800-588-7400

Indiana Insurance Company:

Report claims any time to: 1-800-279-7221

Ohio Casualty Insurance Company:

After Hours Reporting: 1-800-366-6446

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Online Claim Submission Form

Thank You for providing details of your loss. Your claim will be reported the next business day following receipt.

You will be notified when your claim is submitted.

If you have any questions about how to complete this form, please call our Claim Manager at 513-424-2481 or email info@insuranceassociates.net

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