Ultimate Guide to Insurance Claims

If you’re reading this, we hope you’re safe. Now, don’t panic : we’re here to guide you through the claims process. While it may seem as complicated as a maze, rest assured, our team is your best ally!

Whether you have a problem with your home, your car or your health, it’s important to know the right steps to manage your claim. This guide is here to walk you through the claims process with your insurance broker.

1. Ensure your own safety and that of others

The top priority after a damage is safety. Whether you’re faced with a fire, flood or car accident, your first action must be to ensure the safety of those involved. Evacuate the premises if necessary and call the emergency services without delay. The few minutes following a disaster are crucial, so don’t let stress make you forget what’s most important: ensuring safety above all else.

Here are the measures to take as soon as possible :

• Evacuate : If the situation is dangerous, evacuate immediately. Do not attempt to salvage property until you are sure everyone is safe.
• Contact emergency services : Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the incident. This is the first step towards resolving your situation.
• Administer first aid : If someone is injured, provide first aid to the best of your ability, until help arrives.

At this stage, it’s essential not to panic and to follow safety protocols. Once everyone is safe, you can start thinking about the next steps.

2. Document the facts

Once the situation has stabilized, it’s time to start documenting the facts. This step is key to facilitating the claims process. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to process.

Here’s how to effectively document a claim :

• Take photos: Photograph the damage from different angles. Whether it’s damaged goods, injuries or specific scenes, photos are invaluable evidence.
• Keep items that may have caused a loss : If a piece of plumbing seems to have failed, or an object may have caused a fire, don’t dispose of it and save it for your insurer.
• Gather testimonials : If people witnessed the loss, get their contact details and gather testimonials. These can help your insurer’s investigation.
• Note the details : Write down all relevant information: time, date, place and circumstances of the incident. The more precise the details, the better.

Keep this evidence secure, whether on your phone or on external storage media.

3. Contact your insurance broker

Once you’ve secured the premises, it’s time to contact Fort Insurance & Group Benefits by telephone or via the website by filling in a contact form. The speed with which you inform us of the claim can influence the way your claim is handled.

Here’s what you need to do :

• Call us quickly : Contact your Fort Insurance & Group Benefits broker as soon as possible. Our dedicated claims team is there to help you at any time, through our 24/7 hotline.
• Have your information handy : When you call us, make sure you have your insurance policy number, a brief description of the claim, and any evidence you’ve collected. This will facilitate the initial declaration.
• Ask questions : If you have any doubts about the procedure or what is covered by your insurance contract, don’t hesitate to ask. Our team is committed to clarifying everything you need to know.

Our professionals are trained to guide you through these difficult times and make sure you understand every step of the claims process.

4. Complete the claim

Once you’ve contacted us, you’ll need to provide certain information to your insurer, in addition to possibly completing and signing forms. This step is essential to formalize your claim.

Here’s how it works :

• Fill in the forms precisely : Please ensure that all the information you provide is correct. Any errors or omissions could delay the processing of your claim.
• Attach the necessary documents : Include all the evidence you have gathered (photos, testimonials, police reports, etc.) to support your claim.
• Respect deadlines : It’s crucial to submit your claim within the deadlines specified in your insurance contract. A delay could jeopardize your claim.

If you need help completing your forms, your Fort Insurance & Group Benefits broker is available to assist you.

5. Follow-up and collaboration with the claims adjuster

Once your claim has been submitted, a claims adjuster will be appointed to investigate and assess the damage. This person plays a key role in the claims process, determining the amount of compensation you will receive.

Here’s what you can expect :

• Visit from the claims adjuster : The claims adjuster may visit the site to inspect the damage. It’s important to be present during this visit to answer questions and provide additional information if necessary. An appraiser may need to inspect your property.
• Claim Follow-up : Keep a close eye on the progress of your file and make sure you follow up on the claims adjuster’s communications. If you have any problems or questions that the claims adjuster can’t answer, don’t hesitate to contact Fort Insurance & Group Benefits to discuss your case.
• Collaboration : Be transparent and cooperative with the claims adjuster. The easier you make his or her job, the faster your claim will be processed.

Remember, we’re with you every step of the way.

6. How does a claim payment work?

Once the damage assessment has been completed, and the investigation and analysis of your insurance coverage finalized, you’ll receive details about your settlement. This step can sometimes seem complex, but we’re here to provide you with additional information on how to calculate your settlement.

Here are the key point :

• Amount of compensation : The amount you are offered depends on a number of factors, such as the value of the damaged goods, the terms of your insurance contract and coverage limits.
• Deductible: Remember that the deductible stipulated in your contract will be deducted from the amount of the eligible loss.
• Repair or replacement options: Depending on the type of coverage and claim, you may need to have damaged goods repaired or replaced. Discuss it with us to make the best decision.

If you have any questions or concerns about your claim, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your broker.

Be proactive and well protected with Fort Insurance

Suffering a loss is a challenging experience, but by following these steps, you can simplify the claims process and get the compensation you’re entitled to. At Fort Insurance, we’re committed to providing you with the support you need at this difficult time.

Don’t wait until a loss occurs to ask questions about your property and casualty insurance. Contact us today to review your policies and make sure you’re properly covered.