Insurance Claims Support
Help When You Need It Most
Unexpected losses can be stressful, but having a clear process can make the experience much easier to manage. The Hicks Agency is here to help you understand what to do next, organize the information you may need, and connect with the appropriate insurance carrier throughout the claims process.
Step 1: Protect What Matters First
Make safety your first priority.
Before focusing on the insurance claim, take care of any immediate safety concerns. Contact emergency services when necessary and make sure everyone involved is safe. If possible, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your vehicle, home, or property, such as moving a vehicle out of traffic or protecting exposed areas from further weather damage.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Capture the details while they are fresh.
Take clear photos or videos of the damage, the surrounding area, and anything else that may help explain what happened. Write down important details such as the date, time, location, people involved, witness information, and any police or incident report numbers. Having a complete record can make it easier to provide accurate information during the claims process.
Step 3: Contact The Hicks Agency
We’ll help you understand your next step.
Reach out to our office as soon as possible after the loss. You do not need to have every document or detail ready before contacting us. Our team can help you understand the general claims process, answer questions about your policy, and direct you to the correct insurance carrier or claims department so you know where to begin.
Step 4: File Your Claim
Start the official claims process.
Once the basic information has been gathered, the loss can be formally reported to your insurance carrier. Depending on the company, you may be able to file by phone, online, through a mobile app, or another approved claims channel. Be prepared to provide a description of what happened, supporting documentation, and your policy information, and be sure to save your claim number for future reference.
Step 5: Work With the Adjuster
Provide what is needed for the review.
After the claim is filed, your carrier may assign an adjuster, appraiser, or claims representative to review the loss. They may contact you for additional details, request photos or documents, review repair estimates, or schedule an inspection. Responding promptly and keeping your information organized can help the review process move as efficiently as possible.
Step 6: Review the Decision
Understand your coverage and next steps.
Once the claim has been evaluated, the insurance carrier will explain its coverage decision and what happens next. Depending on the type of loss, this may include a deductible, repair authorization, replacement process, payment, or a request for additional information. Review the details carefully and ask questions if anything about the decision or process is unclear.
Step 7: Complete Repairs or Replacement
Move forward with confidence.
After the claim details are confirmed, you can move forward with approved repairs, replacement, or other necessary work. Keep copies of receipts, invoices, estimates, and important correspondence until the claim is fully resolved. If additional damage is discovered during the repair process, contact the claims representative before assuming the additional work will automatically be covered.
Step 8: Review Your Coverage
Make sure your protection still fits your needs.
Once the claim is complete, it may be a good time to review your current insurance coverage. Changes to your home, vehicles, property, business, family, or lifestyle can affect the amount and type of protection you need. Our team can help you review your policies and determine whether any updates may be appropriate moving forward.
Frequently asked questions
You can start by calling our office directly or submitting a claim through our online claims form. We'll walk you through each step to ensure it's fast and simple.
Typically, you'll need your policy number, a description of the incident, photos (if applicable), and any relevant documents or contact information of involved parties.
Most claims begin processing within 24 hours. The full timeline depends on the type of claim, but we aim to resolve straightforward claims as quickly as possible.
Yes, most insurance policies have a specific timeframe for reporting claims. It's best to file as soon as possible to avoid delays or complications.
Not all claims impact your rate, but some may. We can review your policy and explain how a specific claim could affect your premium.
We provide professional adjusters to evaluate the damage or loss. However, you can still get your own estimates if you'd like a second opinion.
Once your claim is submitted, an adjuster will review it, contact you for any needed information, and determine the settlement or next steps.
We handle claims for auto, property, renters, business, personal liability, and more. No matter your coverage, we're here to assist.
Claim payouts are typically issued via check or direct deposit, depending on your preference and the type of claim.
Typically, you'll need your policy number, a description of the incident, photos (if applicable), and any relevant documents or contact information of involved parties.
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