A Specialty Insurer Since 1946
How long will it take to handle my claim?
How long will it take to recover my deductible?
If property is stolen from my vehicle, will it be covered?
My stolen vehicle was recovered. What should I do?
What happens if my vehicle is totaled?
The amount of time required to handle each claim varies based on the severity of the damage, the number of parties involved and other factors. It is to your benefit in the long run when we spend time up-front reviewing the facts concerning your loss and determining what investigation is needed. Each claim is different and the time required to complete each claim will vary. Your claim representative will be able to provide you with a better time estimate as he or she begins to handle your claim. To speed up the process, please provide your claim representative with as many details about your claim as possible.
If our investigation indicates a likelihood of recovering your deductible from the responsible party, we will attempt to recover your deductible as well as the actual cost for the damages.
The time this takes depends on several factors such as:
- The at-fault party has insurance
- Everyone agrees on the facts reported
- The assistance of an attorney or collection agency is needed
Property stolen from you insured vehicle would not be covered under your auto policy. Instead, your homeowners or renters policy is likely to cover this theft. You should contact your agent to report this type of claim separate from an automobile claim.
If your vehicle is recovered, the police should contact you (the owner) with its location. Be sure to obtain a brief description of any damage to your vehicle, and then notify your claim representative immediately with this information. If your vehicle was damaged during the theft, an inspection/appraisal of the damages will most likely be necessary.
The decision whether to repair the damage or declare it a total loss is based on the type and the extent of damage, age of the vehicle, state law, as well as other information. In order to make a decision, we will have to have your vehicle inspected. If the repair estimate is more than the vehicle’s value (ACV), we will pay the actual cash value of the vehicle, up to the policy limits, minus your deductible. Other factors may deem the vehicle to be a total loss and your claim representative will be able to assist you an explanation of these factors.
Your repair shop should contact the claim representative who wrote the original repair estimate so additional damage can be taken care of. If, however, the shop contacts you directly, please call your claim representative about additional damages and costs.
Copyright © 2007 Gateway Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
What happens if my repair shop finds additional damage?
All coverages are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. This is a brief description of coverages; this is not a contract. Please read your policy for full coverage details. The actual premium for coverage will vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose.
