Claims Information

Auto Insurance Claims

After any type of accident or injury most of us are at least a bit flustered. So it’s a good idea to have a plan of action BEFORE you need it.

Contact your O’Brien Insurance Agency agent immediately.

We’re here to help. So contact us as soon as you safely can. We’ll do all we can to help you get your claim into the system as quickly as possible. Please have your policy number handy so we can get started in the right direction immediately.

Get the other party’s information

If another vehicle or other party is involved in the accident, be sure to get their complete information, including:

• name
• address
• driver’s license number
• phone number
• insurance policy number
• insurance company
• insurance company phone number

Call the police

Not all accidents will require a police report, but very often it’s a good idea to contact the police and file a report, especially if:

• anyone was injured in the accident
• one of the drivers flees the scene
• there is serious damage to one or more vehicles

You’ll want to get the officer’s name and badge number in case we need to contact them before their report has been filed.

Get witness information

If the accident was seen by others, try to get their contact information. Their testimony will help determine responsibility for the accident.

Get vehicle information

Try to get the make, model, year and license plate number of the other vehicle(s). This is especially true before the police arrive, in case the other person decides to leave the scene.

Record the location of the accident

Write down the address where the accident happened. A few quick notes on the location will help your memory later.

Take a picture

If you can, take a picture of the accident scene. In order to keep tempers calm, it’s probably not a good idea to take a picture of the other driver(s), but getting a photo of the accident scene and any relevent features (trees obstructing signs, etc.).

Note vehicle damage

Write down any damage to your vehicle caused by the accident. It’s a good idea to record the condition of any other involved vehicles as well.

Repair Shop

If you have a preferred repair shop, be sure to have their contact information handy. If you don’t have a preferred shop, ask us for a recommendation to a reputable local shop.

Get a Rental Car

If your policy includes rental car coverage, make sure you get that lined up as quickly as possible. This way you’ll have the least disruption to your life as possible.

Read and KNOW your auto insurance policy, BEFORE an accident.

Not many people like reading the small print on insurance policies, but it pays off if you’re in an accident. If you know exactly what your policy covers, you won’t be surprised or confused when the claim is settled. If you don’t know what’s in your policy, now is the time to sit down with your agent and have them explain it to you in plain English.

Homeowner Claims

Safety First

Most importantly, protect yourself and others. Be careful before entering any damaged buildings. Structural damage may not be noticable at first glance, and in case of fire even one that looks to have died down can often flare up again.

Contact your O’Brien Insurance Agency agent immediately

We’re here to help. So contact us as soon as you safely can. We’ll do all we can to help you get your claim into the system as quickly as possible. Please have your policy number handy so we can get started in the right direction immediately.

Be careful with electricity

Watch for downed power lines or other electrical hazards. If there is standing water and any reason to expect electrical issues, stay away.

Report your loss immediately

We’re available to take your claim 24 hours a day. It’s important that we get the claims process moving as soon as possible.

Protect your property

Within the limits of safety and your personal condition, take all reasonable steps to protect your property from being damaged further.

Note preferred contractors

If you have a preference on contractors to work on your property, have their contact information on hand. If you don’t have a preference, ask us for a recommendation on reputable contractors in the area.

Don’t make permanent repairs immediately

Making temporary repairs to limit damage or protect your property is encouraged, but don’t make any permanent repairs until we authorize it. Most insurance companies want to inspect property for damage before major repairs are completed.

List all damaged or lost items

Make a list of everything of value that was damaged, destroyed or lost. The more complete your list, the more likely you are to be compensated for your losses.

Take a picture

If possible, take pictures of as much of the damage as possible. Again, safety is your primary concern, but barring safety issues, try to get photos of your property and other relevent objects.

Keep all receipts

You may need to relocate temporarily, or buy new clothes or work supplies. If you do have to spend money on things of this nature, keep all receipts. Anything covered by your policy will require some form of verification and a receipt works well for that.

Complete your claim forms

It’s important that you fully complete and then return the claim forms we’ll make available to you. We need the information in them to assist you with your claim and get it resolved in a timely manner.