What to do in the Event of a Claim

Posted: 4 years, 6 months ago

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Updated January 2026

What to Do After a Loss: A Step-by-Step Insurance Claims Guide (Updated for 2026)

Experiencing property damage, an auto accident, a workplace injury, or a liability claim can be overwhelming. After ensuring everyone’s safety and receiving any necessary medical care, many people are left wondering:

What happens next? The insurance claims process can feel complex—especially during a stressful moment. This guide is designed to help you understand the next steps after a loss, what to expect from the claims process, and how Top O’ Michigan Insurance supports you every step of the way.

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Property Insurance Claims

If your building or personal property is damaged due to fire, weather, theft, or another covered loss, take the following steps:

What You Should Do Immediately

• Protect the property from further damage, if safe to do so

• Contact emergency responders and utilities as needed (gas, electric, water, etc.)

• Take photos and videos of all damage before making temporary or emergency repairs

• Make temporary repairs (boarding windows, tarping roofs) only to prevent further damage

• Contact Top O’ Michigan Insurance to report the loss

• Obtain an estimate from a licensed contractor

• Separate damaged items from undamaged items and do not discard anything until authorized

• Keep receipts for additional living or business expenses if relocation is required

• Do not authorize permanent repairs until approved by the claims adjuster

What the Claims Adjuster Will Do

After the claim is reported:

• Contact you via phone, email, or online claims portal

• Arrange for inspections or appraisals if needed

• Review estimates and documentation

• Assist with contractor coordination if requested

• Coordinate additional living or business interruption expenses

• Answer questions throughout the process

• Issue settlement payments based on policy terms

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Auto Insurance Claims

After an Auto Accident

• Report the accident to local law enforcement

• Gather information from all parties involved:

  • Names, phone numbers, and addresses

  • Insurance carriers

  • Vehicle descriptions

  • Driver’s license numbers

• Take photos of vehicle damage and the scene

• Tow your vehicle if it is not drivable

• Do not authorize repairs until approved by the adjuster

• Contact Top O’ Michigan Insurance to report the claim

For Windshield, Vandalism, or Theft Claims

• Report vandalism or theft to the police

• Contact Top O’ Michigan Insurance to initiate the claim

What the Claims Adjuster Will Do

• Collect accident details and estimates

• Coordinate inspections and repairs

• Arrange rental reimbursement (if coverage applies)

• Communicate directly with other involved parties

• Issue settlement payments

Important: Do not discuss fault or settlement with other parties—refer them to the claims adjuster.

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Workers’ Compensation Claims

If an employee is injured on the job:

Employer Responsibilities

• Complete the Employer’s First Report of Injury or Disease

• Submit the report via the carrier’s reporting system

• Forward a copy to the state as required

• Consider using OSHA logs or digital injury tracking tools

• Send a copy to Top O’ Michigan for serious injuries or fatalities

• Monitor claim progress and notify us of delays or concerns

What the Claims Adjuster Will Do

• Contact the injured employee

• Coordinate medical treatment and documentation

• Communicate with the employer regarding lost work time

• Manage benefits and return-to-work coordination

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Liability Insurance Claims

If you are notified of a claim involving bodily injury or property damage allegedly caused by you or your business:

What You Should Do

• Contact Top O’ Michigan immediately

• Notify us even if no lawsuit has been filed yet

• Forward all correspondence, including attorney letters or summons

• Do not discuss the incident with the other party or their attorney

What the Claims Adjuster Will Do

• Investigate the incident

• Communicate directly with the claimant or their attorney

• Defend the claim and negotiate settlement if applicable

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Common Claim Red Flags to Watch For

Even with proper documentation, claims can encounter challenges. Be mindful of:

• Extended response delays (outside of major catastrophe events)

• Requests for an Examination Under Oath — contact your agent before proceeding

• Confusion around “preferred vendors”

  • You are not required to use carrier-recommended vendors

  • They can speed up the process, but the final choice is yours

If something feels unclear or off, reach out to your agent immediately.

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A Note to Our Clients

The Top O’ Michigan Insurance team is here to serve as your advocate—not just when purchasing coverage, but when it matters most: during a claim.

Your policy requires timely claim reporting. If a loss occurs, contact us as soon as possible so we can:

• Report the claim correctly

• Help interpret policy language

• Advocate for coverage when it should apply

• Address delays, disputes, or denials

Do not assume a denial or reduced payment is automatically correct. We regularly work with claims departments to clarify coverage and pursue proper resolution.

???? 800-686-8664
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Final Thoughts

Insurance claims are rarely simple—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Staying organized, communicating promptly, and working with an experienced agency can make a meaningful difference in both the outcome and the experience.

If you have questions about your coverage, claims process, or risk management strategy, contact Top O’ Michigan Insurance today by emailing Service@TheSpireTeam.com.

 

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