Insurance Claims
At Dusyk & Barlow Insurance Brokers we realize that the most important part of the insurance service is claims response and procedure. We are often the first ones that our clients turn to in the event of a claim and we are happy to provide assistance and advice throughout the claims process. We urge you to contact us directly for claims advice:
Additional After Hours Claims
You may find it helpful to reference our Claims Process which is found following the emergency after hours claims contacts below. If it is an after hours claims emergency, you can contact your insurer directly. Below are emergency after hours contact numbers for our major insurers.
- Allianz:
- 1-800-995-1662
- (416) 1-416-340-0049 (Canada/USA)
- 800-842-08420 (Canada/USA)
- or 00-800-842-08420 (Worldwide)
- Intact:
- 1-866-464-2424
- or 1-877-464-9378
- Open Skies: 1-866-488-6122
- Peace Hills: 1-800-369-4053
- Portage Mutual:
- 1-877-249-3838
- (306) 249-3838
- or 1-800-567-7721
- Red River Mutual:
- 1-800-370-2888
- or (204) 324-4269
- SGI Canada (Saskatchewan):
- 1-800-647-6448
- or (306) 751-1306
- SGI Canada (Alberta): 1-800-489-5848
- SGI Plate Insurance:
- 1-306-775-6100 (Regina East)
- 1-306-775-1665 (Regina Northwest)
- or 1-800-667-8015 (Toll Free)
- Sandbox Mutual Insurance:
- 1-800-667-3067
- or (306) 545-2855
- Wawanesa:
- 1-844-929-2637
- Wynward Insurance:
- 1-866-223-3318
- (306) 757-1691
- or 1-800-665-3351
Proactive Hints for a Smoother Claims Experience
The best claims advice we can give our clients is to be prepared to document and present your claim accurately once you have suffered a loss. The best time to do this preparation is before you have a loss. Hints to help you prepare for future losses include:
- Keep receipts for major contents and home upgrades.
- Keep up-to-date appraisals for jewellery, antiques, etc.
- If you own a video camera or digital camera take regular video or photos once or twice a year of the interior and exterior of your home. Take care to get specific shots of newly acquired or more expensive items. This can be invaluable for an adjuster in the event of lost receipts and just to expedite the claims process in general. This can be invaluable to you as a tool to help remind you of smaller items that you would may forget to include on your proof of loss forms.
- In the event of an automobile accident keep a disposable camera in your vehicle to help document the accident scene.
The Claims Process
- Depending on the type of claim or property damage, contact the appropriate authorities, whether it be Police, Fire Department, or Ambulance.
- Contact us about your loss. If the loss or damage is not an emergency you may contact your Broker on the next business day. If the loss or damage is an emergency, please consult our list of Emergency After Hours Claims Contacts above to contact your insurer directly.
- In the event of an automobile accident, phone us regardless of who may have caused the accident. We will confirm with you things such as what to expect from the claims process, your coverage, and whether the dollar amount of the claim will exceed your deductible and loss of claims discounts
- Let us know where you can be reached.
- An adjuster may contact you by telephone to obtain specific details and provide instructions. The adjuster may send you a claim form, known as a “proof of loss” form, to complete. The adjuster may make arrangements to meet with you in person before you’re asked to fill out any forms.
- As soon as it is safe to do so, make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to us for consideration. Remember that payments for temporary repairs are part of the total settlement. In most cases the adjuster will assist you with finding someone to address immediate emergency repairs.Some typical circumstances may include:• Temporary repairs to roof coverings after a wind or hailstorm,
• Cleanup and drying of water from basements after water escape or sewer back up,
• Boarding up of doors or windows after a fire,
• Securing doors or windows after a break in. - If it is safe to do so, take a good look around your property and make a note of any structural damage. Don’t forget to look at all structures on the property such as sheds, fences, garage, etc.
- If you suspect damage, even though there are no outward signs of it, your adjuster may recommend hiring experts such as a structural engineer to carry out a further detailed inspection.
- Do not dispose of damaged items. The adjuster may want to see them. Make detailed lists, room by room, of all damaged items identifying brand names and model numbers. Identify where and when you bought the item and its original purchase price. If in doubt, ask the adjuster and he or she will provide assistance.
- You should obtain detailed written repair estimates from reliable, licensed and bonded contractors. The estimate should clearly detail what labour and material are needed.
- There can be times when your home sustains substantial damage to the point where you must move out while repairs are being made. If this happens, save receipts from any additional living expenses you incur while away from your home. Your policy only considers those expenses over and above your normal expenses.
- You may be required to submit various forms or documents in support of your insurance claim. Examples are “proof of loss” forms; medical invoices; repair bills and a copy of the police report. Both Dusyk & Barlow and your adjuster will help explain what is needed. Return the properly completed forms as soon as possible.
- Maintain records of your expenses and copies of your paper work. Also retain copies of whatever documents and correspondence we provide to you.