Emergency Information

Automobile Losses

What to do when an Incident/Accident Occurs

While not an exhaustive list, the following information is provided to assist you should a loss occur. Nothing contained within this material should be construed as providing legal advice nor does it imply coverage will be afforded. Every claim submitted must be reviewed and evaluated based upon the applicable policy of insurance and the facts of loss.

• Make sure everyone is ok – call for medical assistance if necessary.
• Notify the police about the loss.  
• Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties.
• Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Photograph the scene prior to moving the vehicle(s) if this can be safely done.
• Take reasonable steps to move your vehicle from the scene and to safeguard it and any personal property contained in the vehicle from subsequent damage.
• Make no commitments for payment. Do not discuss fault or blame at the scene.
• Do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone except the police, your insurance agent, claim adjuster, or your attorney.

 

 

Property Losses

What to do when an Incident/Accident Occurs

While not an exhaustive list, the following information is provided to assist you should a loss occur. Nothing contained within this material should be construed as providing legal advice nor does it imply coverage will be afforded. Every claim submitted must be reviewed and evaluated based upon the applicable policy of insurance and the facts of loss.

Water Damage:

• Do not alter the condition of your house before it is inspected by the adjuster.  However, you can make emergency repairs to prevent further damage. This can include:
  • Temporary repairs to leaking roof and/or pipes
  • Remove and dry interior pooling or accumulation of water. If assistance is required, contact an emergency services contractor/repair company.
• Preserve in as good an order as possible, all items being claimed, both personal property and building items.
• Secure an estimate of repair.

 

Wind Damage:

• Make the premises safe and secure.
• Be sure trees, fences, or antennas do not pose a danger to insured or other parties.
• Prevent further loss. Be sure broken windows are repaired promptly and missing shingles are temporarily replaced to prevent further water loss.
• Secure estimate of repair.

 

Fire Loss:

• Protect yourself and others. Always be careful before entering a damaged building. If your property has sustained serious structural damage or if there are any doubts about its safety, contact local government officials to determine the status of your home before entering.
• Report downed power lines or gas leaks to the utility company.
• Keep electricity turned off if there is standing water in the house.
• Do not alter the condition of your house before it is inspected by the adjuster. However, you can make emergency repairs to prevent further damage. 
• Prepare an inventory of damaged property. Include description of item, age, and replacement value.
• Preserve in as good a condition as possible those items being claimed. 

 

Electrical Loss:

• Make the premises safe and secure.
• Utilize electrician as necessary.
• Identify items that are now not working properly.
• Prepare a list of those items not functioning. Include description of item, age, and replacement value.
• Preserve in as good a condition as possible those items claimed.

 

 Theft Loss:

• Immediately report the theft to police. 
• Note the date and time of theft as accurately as possible.
• Gather all original receipts, cancelled checks, charge card statements, owners manuals, photographs, and any other documents to support the claim.

 

 

Homeowner's and General Liability Losses

What to do when an Incident/Accident Occurs

While not an exhaustive list, the following information is provided to assist you should a loss occur. Nothing contained within this material should be construed as providing legal advice nor does it imply coverage will be afforded. Every claim submitted must be reviewed and evaluated based upon the applicable policy of insurance and the facts of loss.

All Claims:

• Contact emergency personnel if necessary.
• Identify any potential witnesses. Secure their name(s), address and telephone number.
• Make no commitments for payment. Do not discuss fault or blame at the scene.
• Do not discuss the details of the loss with any party representing the injured person without first consulting with your insurance agent, claim adjuster or legal counsel.

 

Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents:

• If possible, request the injured party show you the location of the fall and attempt to identify any claimed hazard that may have contributed to the fall.
• In the event a physical defect is found that may be an ongoing hazard, take reasonable and necessary steps to repair or remove it, posting temporary warning notices, if appropriate.

 

Animal Related Incidents:

• Verify when, where and how the incident occurred and whether or not the animal was supervised and/or restrained at the time of incident.
• If appropriate, locate veterinary records to document current rabies vaccine.

 

Food Contamination:

• Determine the food eaten. If possible, secure and preserve the item with its original container or service dish. Identify the supplier of the product.
• If applicable, determine how long the injured party had the food in their possession prior to consuming it.
• If the consumer alleges an adverse reaction, determine whether or not more than one person consumed the product and if so, whether or not anyone else suffered similar or different symptoms.

 

Property Damage Losses:

• Secure and preserve any damaged/defective product (i.e. HVAC condenser, furnace, hot water heater, piping, etc.) that you are requested to remove and replace from a customer's premises.
• If appropriate, photograph the scene prior to initiating any repairs to your work product.
• Determine whether or not any other contractor(s) performed work at the premise.
• Keep all work and maintenance records concerning the work you performed.
• Identify any tools, equipment or machinery that may be defective, and which may have caused or contributed to the loss. Keep all records relating to the purchase and maintenance of the items.

 

Workers Compensation

What to do when an Incident/Accident Occurs

While not an exhaustive list, the following information is provided to assist you should a loss occur. Nothing contained within this material should be construed as providing legal advice nor does it imply coverage will be afforded. Every claim submitted must be reviewed and evaluated based upon the applicable policy of insurance and the facts of loss.

• Call for medical assistance if necessary.
• Report all claims the same day or within 24 hours upon notice of the injury/illness, even if the employer disputes the claim.
• Complete an internal accident investigation, completing an incident/accident report form.
• Identify any other parties such as a landlord, contractors or product vendors/distributors that may be involved.
• Identify any tools, equipment or machinery that may have caused or contributed to the loss. Keep all records relating to the purchase and maintenance of the items.
• Comply with all applicable governmental reporting requirements, including but not limited to OSHA 300 Log.
• Do not discuss the details of the loss with any party representing the injured person without first consulting with your insurance agent, claims adjuster or legal counsel.
• Make no commitments for payment, or admit any fault for the injury/illness.

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8 South Rd, Somers, CT 06071              insurance@howlandsargent.com            (860) 763-4077