Claims Resources

Do not admit fault, speculate about what happened, or discuss the incident on social media. Avoid making permanent repairs before the insurance company has an opportunity to inspect the damage unless emergency repairs are necessary to prevent additional loss. Always keep receipts for emergency expenses.

Contact your insurance carrier or Opus Insurance with your policy number, the date and time of the incident, a description of what happened, photos of the damage, and any police or incident reports if applicable. The insurance company will assign a claim number and an adjuster to your case.

Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, vehicle registration details, and license plate numbers with the other driver. Take photographs of all vehicles, damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.

If there are injuries, significant property damage, or the law requires it in your state, contact law enforcement immediately. A police report can provide valuable documentation for your insurance claim.

Take reasonable steps to protect your property after a covered loss. This may include placing a tarp over a damaged roof, boarding broken windows, shutting off water after a pipe burst, or removing standing water if it is safe to do so. Save all receipts for emergency repairs and temporary expenses.

An insurance adjuster investigates your claim, reviews your policy, inspects the damage, gathers documentation, and determines what is covered under your policy. The adjuster will work toward reaching a fair settlement based on your coverage.

Every claim is different. Simple claims may be resolved within a few days, while more complex losses involving severe property damage, liability investigations, or multiple parties may take several weeks or longer.

In most cases, yes. You generally have the right to select your preferred repair facility or contractor. Your insurance company may recommend preferred vendors, but the final choice is usually yours unless your policy states otherwise.

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, your homeowners policy may provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage to help pay for temporary housing, meals, and other reasonable living expenses while repairs are being completed.

If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of your vehicle’s value, the insurance company may declare it a total loss. Your settlement is generally based on the vehicle’s actual cash value immediately before the accident, minus any applicable deductible.

A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before your insurance coverage begins. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your covered damage is $8,000, your insurance company would generally pay $7,000.

Not necessarily. Premium changes depend on several factors, including the type of claim, who was at fault, your claims history, state regulations, and your insurance carrier’s underwriting guidelines.

Keep copies of your claim number, estimates, repair invoices, receipts, photos, videos, police reports, medical records (if applicable), and all correspondence with your insurance company until your claim is fully resolved.

While the insurance company makes the final coverage and payment decisions, Opus Insurance serves as your advocate. We help answer questions, explain your policy, communicate with your carrier when needed, and guide you through the claims process to help make it as smooth as possible.

If you believe the settlement does not accurately reflect your covered loss, discuss your concerns with your adjuster and provide supporting documentation such as repair estimates, receipts, photos, or independent evaluations. If needed, Opus Insurance can help you better understand your policy and the available options for resolving the dispute.