Claims, Processing and Outcomes

We have recently seen a spike in claims reporting over the last several weeks. There are a few key details to know about the claims process and how you as the company can help the adjuster to resolve the claim quickly and efficiently.

When your driver has been in an accident, it is best practice to report the claim immediately. This can be done by calling your insurance agent, or the insurance company directly. If the accident occurs while your agency is closed, you will want to report the claim to the insurance company promptly. The quicker you can get the claim reported, the quicker your truck can get back on the road!

Some companies feel they should not report the claim until they have all the details regarding the accident. The adjuster will continue to gather details after the claim has been assigned and processed, so the minimal information you are able to provide the insurance company at claims intake will suffice. These details may include location, injuries, driver information, police report number, etc. After the claim is reported, you can then begin to gather the more detailed information for the adjuster when assigned. Police reports are always going to be needed if one is completed, so best practice would be requesting the report as soon as it becomes available. Pictures and dash cam footage will always be helpful to an adjuster as well.

After an adjuster’s first notice call to you as the company, it is imperative that you keep the line of communication open. Claim resolutions could often be met faster if the insured communicates efficiently. The type of accident will determine the documents needed for a claim. For example, if you are presenting a cargo claim- most all adjusters are going to request documents such as the Bill of Lading, Rate Con and Reefer Maintenance Logs if
applicable. As a company, you can be mindful of these requests and have the information gathered before it is even requested of you.

The outcome of a claim ultimately relies on the participation of all parties involved and how much information is provided. Yes, there are times when a claim may linger due to subrogation or arbitration and that is to no fault of either party. Most claims can be resolved without legal intervention, helping your driver get back out there as quickly as possible. One of the most important things to remember when facing a claim is to make sure you understand any actions taken- meaning if you do not understand why something is being paid for or feel the amounts offered may not be correct, always be sure to go back to the adjuster and ask for clarification. Adjusters understand that your company is not fluent in insurance lingo, so it is their duty to educate you on all decisions made in the claims process.

We at NASTC Insurance Services. LLC, take pride in our claims handling process and are always a call away for any questions you may have. It is important that you leave the claim feeling like the process was handled properly. We have an abundance of knowledge to share with you to make you as a trucking company feel comfortable with the claims process and your rights as the insured. Accidents are stressful as is and for smaller
trucking companies they will often bring all operations to a halt. Understanding the claim process, actively communicating with adjusters, and asking questions for clarity are imperative in getting you back in business as quickly as possible!