Support When You Need to Make a Claim
When an unexpected event results in damage, loss, or another insured incident, knowing what to do next can make the claims process easier to understand.
The Claims Assistance page provides general information to help policyholders understand the steps involved in reporting and managing an insurance claim.
What Is an Insurance Claim?
An insurance claim is a formal request submitted to an insurer for consideration of coverage or payment following an event that may be covered under an insurance policy.
Whether a claim is covered depends on the specific policy, its terms and conditions, applicable limits, exclusions, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What to Do After an Insured Incident
1. Prioritize Safety
If an incident has occurred, make sure everyone involved is safe and contact the appropriate emergency services when necessary.
2. Report the Incident Promptly
Notify the appropriate insurer or claims contact as soon as reasonably possible. Follow the reporting requirements stated in your policy.
3. Document What Happened
Where appropriate and safe to do so, take photographs or videos and record relevant details about the incident, including the date, location, circumstances, and any damage or loss.
4. Gather Supporting Documents
Depending on the type of claim, you may be asked to provide documents such as:
Policy information
Identification
Incident reports
Photographs or videos
Receipts or proof of ownership
Repair estimates
Medical documentation where applicable
Police reports where applicable
Other relevant supporting information
5. Cooperate With the Claims Review
The insurer may request additional information, documentation, assessments, or other evidence to evaluate the claim.
6. Await the Claim Decision
The claim will be reviewed according to the applicable policy terms. The outcome may depend on coverage, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and the evidence provided.
Types of Claims
Claims can vary depending on the type of insurance involved.
Auto Insurance Claims
May involve vehicle accidents, theft, damage, or other covered incidents.
Home Insurance Claims
May involve certain covered losses affecting a home, personal property, or liability.
Health Insurance Claims
May involve eligible medical services or healthcare expenses according to the applicable health plan.
Life Insurance Claims
May involve a request for applicable policy benefits following the death of an insured person.
Travel Insurance Claims
May involve certain covered travel disruptions, medical emergencies, baggage issues, or other eligible events.
Business Insurance Claims
May involve property damage, liability incidents, equipment losses, business interruptions, or other covered business risks.
Information That May Be Required
The documentation required for a claim depends on the type and circumstances of the incident.
Common information may include:
Policy number
Date and time of the incident
Location of the incident
Description of what happened
Contact information
Photographs or videos
Receipts or invoices
Estimates or supporting reports
Relevant official reports
Other documentation requested during the claims process
Providing accurate and complete information can help support an efficient review.
Understanding the Claims Process
A typical claims process may involve:
Report → Documentation → Review → Assessment → Decision → Resolution
The actual process may differ depending on the insurer, policy, type of claim, and circumstances involved.
For a more detailed explanation, visit our Claims Process page.
Common Claims Questions
How soon should I report a claim?
Report an incident as soon as reasonably possible and follow the notification requirements stated in your policy.
What documents should I keep?
Keep your policy documents and any records related to the incident, including photographs, receipts, reports, estimates, and correspondence.
Does submitting a claim guarantee payment?
No. A claim is subject to review under the applicable insurance policy. Coverage depends on the policy’s terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and circumstances.
Can I make a claim if I don’t have all the documents?
You should report the incident promptly even if you do not yet have every document. The insurer or relevant claims contact can advise you about additional information required.
What happens after I submit my claim?
The claim may be reviewed, supporting information may be requested, and the circumstances may be assessed before a decision is made according to the applicable policy.
Need Help With a Claim?
If you need assistance understanding the general claims process, use the available support and contact options provided on this website.
Start With the Claims Process →
Contact Support →
Important Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute insurance, financial, legal, medical, or professional advice and does not guarantee that a particular claim will be covered or paid.
Claims are subject to the applicable insurance policy, including its terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and requirements. Actual claims procedures and documentation requirements may vary by insurer, policy, jurisdiction, and circumstances.
Always refer to the applicable policy documents and contact the relevant insurer or qualified insurance professional for guidance regarding a specific claim.
Related Resources
Claims Process — Learn about the general steps involved in submitting and managing a claim.
Insurance Guides — Explore educational information about different types of insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions — Find answers to common insurance questions.
Contact Support — Get in touch for further information.
