Claims Help

What You Should Do When You Have A Claim

Corcoran & Havlin Insurance Group includes claim professionals who serve as client’s advocates following a loss. You may report directly to the insurance carrier for the policy or report to the Corcoran & Havlin Claim representative.

Property Claim

If you have a property loss: 

  • Notify the police if the loss is a result of theft or any other crime. Request the police report number.
  • If needed, utilize an emergency restoration contractor for water removal and clean up. See list below of some contractors we know. You are not limited to these.
  • Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save receipts for any materials you may purchase.
  • Document any damage with photos prior to temporary repairs.
  • Retain damaged property for claim adjuster.
  • Do not make any permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected site.
  • Prepare an inventory of damaged, stolen or destroyed property. Gather any invoices, bills or other documents that establish the item’s value.
  • Keep track of any other expenses you may incur.
  • Secure the property to prevent any further damage i.e. put a tarp on the roof, board up the windows, etc.
  • If you have a serious fire or water damage loss please contact either of the following for clean up:
  • If a serious loss occurs over the weekend, please check your current property policy for the name of the insurance company and your policy number. Then call the insurance company to report the loss directly to them. Refer to the Report a Claim page in order to find the appropriate number.

Auto Claim

If you have an automobile claim:

  • Notify the police. Request the police report number.
  • Obtain the name and telephone number of the other driver/owner (complete information will be on the police report). If the police are not called, please obtain the insurance information for the other driver/owner as well.
  • Obtain name and telephone numbers for any witnesses.
  • You will need to print and fill out a Automobile Crash Report Form in order to assist us in reporting the loss. Please forward this Report to us via fax 781-235-7190, email [email protected] or by regular mail.
  • If there are any injuries involved and the accident occurs over the weekend, please check your current auto policy for the name of the insurance company and policy number. Please call your insurance company at the number that is available to you in the Report a Claim page and report it directly to them.

 

Worker's Compensation

If you have a Worker’s Compensation Claim:

You will need to print and fill out the following form, (Worker’s Compensation First Report Of Injury Form (101)) in order to assist us in reporting the loss. If the loss occurs over the weekend, please check your current policy for the name of the insurance company and policy number. Please call your insurance company at the number that is available to you in the Report a Claim page and report it directly to them
  • Purchase Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage on your home & household contents (if available) or Extended Replacement Cost coverage.
  • Purchase Replacement Cost coverage on your household contents.
  • Videotape or photograph your house or apartment (including all contents owned).
  • Obtain appraisals when appropriate.
  • Keep sales receipts for significant purchases and whatever substantiation you have in a safe place, off premises, so your proof will not be destroyed in a fire.
  • Schedule valuable articles.  We suggest having your jewelry appraisals updated every three years, and other items every five years to ensure that your scheduled items are adequately protected.

Yes. If you or someone on your behalf gives false, misleading or incomplete information on any application, your company may refuse to pay claims under any or all of the Optional Insurance coverage of the policy. Such information includes the description and place of garaged vehicles and/or names of operators. In the event that you have moved since you filled out your initial application, promptly notify your insurance company and the Registry of Motor Vehicles of your new address.

Contact us as soon as possible! If there is damage to your home or possessions make "emergency" repairs to protect yourself and your property from further damage, then call your agent. For example, if some windows in your home have been blown out by wind, you may board them up to prevent additional damage. In fact, your policy covers the cost of these emergency measures. Before you make any permanent repairs, contact us. The insurance company has the right to inspect the property in its damaged condition. They may want to send a claims adjuster or instruct you to get an estimate from an independent contractor. If you have property stolen, notify the policy immediately and call your insurance agent.

Generally damage to both the exterior and interior of a home resulting from weight of ice and snow or ice dams is covered under a homeowners policy. However, only the area damaged in the loss will be covered. Further damage sustained due to wear and tear or neglect will not be covered.

If the actual receipts are not available, insurance companies will generally accept photos, warranties, owners’ manuals, cancelled checks, credit card receipts, bills, servicing agreements, and even video tapes as proof of ownership. We suggest that you consider videotaping your home prior to experiencing a loss.

Flood coverage is generally excluded on the basic Homeowners policy. However, some Homeowners policies provide coverage for backup of sewers and drains that cause flooding in your basement. This coverage can be purchased for a nominal premium. Check with your insurance agent to see if this coverage is applicable to you & get you a quote. 

If, however, you live in a flood-prone area, you should consider, and may be required by your lending institution, to purchase a flood insurance policy. Contact your agent to learn more about the Federal Flood Insurance Plan, the exclusions, and the limitations of coverage in these policies.