Claims Reporting

Even a minor fender bender can be an emotional experience. Be certain to include contact information of any other involved parties or witnesses in your report.

Determine where you want to have your vehicle repaired.

Obtain a copy of the police report.

Note that the insurance deductible for collision and comprehensive losses is $500.

General Liability provides coverage in defense of claims or lawsuits brought against you due to bodily injury or property damage for which you are legally liable. This coverage applies when someone other than an employee is injured on your property, or off your property if the injury is allegedly caused by you. Typical types of General Liability claims include someone slipping and falling on your premises or a tree on your property falling onto a neighbor’s residence.

The single most important element in claims management is claims reporting. It is imperative that a claim be reported as soon as possible, as the more time passes, the more difficult it is to conduct the investigation and manage the claim. Prompt communication with the involved parties allows the claims management team to establish a relationship and rapport and respond the insured’s needs, while keeping the cost of the claim under control. In addition, early reporting of liability claims allows for the timely identification of witnesses and the ability to interview individuals while memories are fresh.

Experience has shown that early contact and communication with the claimant greatly reduces the likelihood of litigation. Because legal fees associated with litigation can be quite costly and the process can be lengthy, both sides benefit when litigation is avoided.

Common causes of property damage covered by this program include fire, leaking roofs, burst water pipes, lightning damage, vandalism, and vehicular accidents. Some exclusions in the policy include damage resulting from deterioration, corrosion, wear and tear and insect infestation. In the event of a property loss, you should immediately:

• Do everything possible to mitigate the damages, such as calling a cleaning and restoration company to provide water and smoke clean up services.
• Determine the cause of the loss.
• If someone else is responsible for the damage, obtain all information on that person (name, address, name of insurance company).
• In the event of damage from a vehicle or vandalism, contact the police.
• Obtain photographs of the damages.

In the event of an injury, whether the employee will lose time from work or not, it is imperative that the incident be reported as soon as possible. The law mandates deadlines in which to deny or accept claims. Claims which are reported late may result in fines from the Department of Industrial Accidents which would be levied against the parish.

In the event of an injured employee, the following steps are necessary:

• See that medical assistance is provided immediately.
• Obtain details of the accident.
• Identify any witnesses.
• Obtain photographs of the accident site, if possible.
• Identify any third-party involvement, i.e., equipment malfunction or damages caused by an outside entity.

A.I.M. Mutual, our claims administrator, accepts first report claim notices twenty four hours a day through three methods: telephone, internet and fax. When reporting a claim, you will be asked for our policy number. The policy number, effective March 31, 2020, is: 3000001012020.

Report the claim to A.I.M. immediately:

Telephone number: 866-270-3357

Fax number: 781-270-5599

Internet: www.aimmutual.com 

If you suspect theft, embezzlement or misappropriation, the Office of Risk Management can provide investigative support services, as well as forensic auditing resources. As employee theft can sometimes bring media or communication issues or concerns, our program also provides internal/external communications expertise.

Once a crime loss is suspected, immediately notify the police and Ashly Patry.