How to Report Theft/Loss to an Insurance Company
Insurance companies that cover autos, real estate and personal property have methods for customers to make insurance claims. Many insured items are covered against theft, breakage and loss. Whenever a covered item is stolen, it must first be reported to the police. Anything that is damaged or simply lost is usually reported directly to the agent who sold the policy, or to an agent in the claims department by phone or Internet portal. Insurance companies honor claims for losses expediently to keep customer confidence.
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Instructions
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Report any stolen items to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report to submit to your insurance company along with claim for losses. The police report includes the estimated value of all stolen items.
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Contact your insurance agent to report losses on insured items as soon as possible. Call or email your insurance company claims department, if you did not purchase the policy through an agent. Give your policy number and a description of the insured items and the circumstances of loss.
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Fill out all paperwork requested by your agent or claims representative. Fill out the claim form and sign all documents associated with making claims through the insurer. Insurance companies usually ask clients to sign statements verifying receipt of all legally required information when making claims.
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Give your agent or claims representative a copy of the police or fire department report for fire damages, traffic accidents or any stolen item claims. Also, give the location of your vehicle for an adjuster to inspect and determine the costs of necessary repairs. Send vehicles to the repair shop of your choice where the damages will be verified by a mechanic. Mechanics discovering more extensive damages will report the damages to the adjuster who may visit the shop for confirmation.
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References
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