Updates
-
Claims 101January 08, 2020
Many people wonder what to expect if they file a claim with their insurance company. At Barton Mutual, we have processes and procedures we follow, and many times those are based on the type of claim being filed. The claim will first be reported either directly to us or through your independent agent. Be sure to include as many details as possible so we can make the proper assignment and know how extensive the damage is. If you have taken any photos of the damage, you can also submit those. This information will help us prioritize our claims properly. Your claim will be assigned to an adjuster depending on the type of loss and location of the loss. Some claims require a field adjuster to come to your property to inspect the damages; others will be handled by our office staff. We do our best to contact you quickly after a claim is filed, so please be sure to provide your preferred contact information to us or your agent.
If one of our field adjusters is assigned to your claim, he or she will make contact to set up an appointment for a claim inspection. It is advised that someone be present when the adjuster completes the inspection. If any emergency services are required before our adjuster arrives, please take photos of the damage if you can and keep any invoices you have received so our adjuster can review those for reimbursement. Our adjuster needs to view the damages before any permanent repairs are made.
In the case of extensive property damage, you may have already received an estimate from a contractor or be working with a contractor. If that is the case, please let us know as soon as possible and provide copies of any estimates you have received.
After the loss is inspected and all necessary paperwork has been submitted to us, the adjuster will review their findings and resulting estimate with you. Estimates are submitted to the home office for payment and processing. We strive to turn around payments as quickly as possible so you can get the repairs you need completed. At this point, you are ready to begin the process of having the property repaired. You are free to hire the contractor of your choosing to make the repairs. If your contractor’s estimate is higher than the adjuster’s estimate, please contact your adjuster before work commences. We will work with you to come to an agreement on estimates.
We know you carry insurance because you want to have protection for your property and the assurance that when the unexpected strikes you will be covered. If you place your coverage with Barton Mutual, we will do our best to make the claims process quick and painless so you can get on with your life. If you have further questions about the process, you can refer to the FAQs on our site or contact our claims department at 417-843-6265 option 1.
This information is meant to be a broad overview and should not be the only source you consult for evaluating your risk management needs. Adherence to the above guidelines does not ensure coverage under your policy, nor does it guarantee your risk will be accepted by our company or that your property or operations are safe, healthful, or in compliance with laws, rules, or regulations. Coverage is determined by specific policy provisions, limitations and exclusions that can only be expressed in the policy itself.