If your small business needs to file a claim against its property or liability insurance policy, chances are you’re already under a lot of stress. The claims-handling process shouldn’t be another worry. Nacone Martin, a UFG Insurance claims customer service associate, takes the complexity out of claims with this simple Q&A on how to file a small business insurance claim and what happens after.

I need to file a claim against my small business insurance policy, but I’m too stressed to know where to begin. What is my first step?

Martin: 
I hear you. If you’re in a situation that comes with the need to file an insurance claim, there’s no doubt something unexpected and nerve-racking has happened. So, let’s break it down into a few simple things to remember when it comes to filing a small business claim.

First, if in doubt, start with your insurance agent. Let that person know what happened and walk you through any next steps.

Or if you’re a UFG Insurance commercial policyholder, you can pick one of three ways to file a claim with us. Choose the one that’s right for you.

1. Reach out to your agent, just like I’ve already mentioned.
2. Fill out our easy online form
3. Call or email us. We’re here for you 24/7.

How quickly do I need to file the claim?

Martin:
No matter the situation, try not to procrastinate when it comes to beginning the claim process. File the claim as soon as you can to start moving toward a fast resolution. 

Ok, I’ve officially filed the claim. Now what?

Martin:
Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes: A process called “claims handling” begins after you’ve notified your insurance carrier about a loss. This process builds a basic framework that helps a carrier make sure the claim is moved forward with efficiency. 

While claims handling might look a little different depending on how your insurance carrier operates, these fundamental aspects are likely the same across the board.

1. If you didn’t talk to a customer service associate, like me, you’ll receive an acknowledgment of the claim having been received soon after you file it. 
2. The customer service associate will assign the claim to an adjuster.
3. That adjuster will guide the claim toward a conclusion. Their role has a lot of moving parts but, generally, includes tasks like investigating the claim and examining your policy’s coverage in relation to the loss. 

How fast does the claims handling process move?

Martin:
Great question. That depends on the complexity and severity of the loss that your business has suffered. Some claims can be resolved in days while others might take months. You’ll likely be kept in-the-know along the way, especially if UFG is your carrier. 

Those of us on the claims team at UFG follow a set of best practices we call the gold standard of claims. For us, that means our policyholders are at the heart of our roles. We strive to always remember the person behind the loss and put forth customer service that exceeds expectations. That’s because we know your world has been turned upside down if you’ve had to file a small business claim, and we want to help you turn right side up — fast. 

When you need to file a commercial claim with UFG, know that my colleagues and I are at the ready!

If your small business needs to file a claim against its property or liability insurance policy, chances are you’re already under a lot of stress. The claims-handling process shouldn’t be another worry. Nacone Martin, a UFG Insurance claims customer service associate, takes the complexity out of claims with this simple Q&A on how to file a small business insurance claim and what happens after.

I need to file a claim against my small business insurance policy, but I’m too stressed to know where to begin. What is my first step?

Martin: 
I hear you. If you’re in a situation that comes with the need to file an insurance claim, there’s no doubt something unexpected and nerve-racking has happened. So, let’s break it down into a few simple things to remember when it comes to filing a small business claim.

First, if in doubt, start with your insurance agent. Let that person know what happened and walk you through any next steps.

Or if you’re a UFG Insurance commercial policyholder, you can pick one of three ways to file a claim with us. Choose the one that’s right for you.

1. Reach out to your agent, just like I’ve already mentioned.
2. Fill out our easy online form
3. Call or email us. We’re here for you 24/7.

How quickly do I need to file the claim?

Martin:
No matter the situation, try not to procrastinate when it comes to beginning the claim process. File the claim as soon as you can to start moving toward a fast resolution. 

Ok, I’ve officially filed the claim. Now what?

Martin:
Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes: A process called “claims handling” begins after you’ve notified your insurance carrier about a loss. This process builds a basic framework that helps a carrier make sure the claim is moved forward with efficiency. 

While claims handling might look a little different depending on how your insurance carrier operates, these fundamental aspects are likely the same across the board.

1. If you didn’t talk to a customer service associate, like me, you’ll receive an acknowledgment of the claim having been received soon after you file it. 
2. The customer service associate will assign the claim to an adjuster.
3. That adjuster will guide the claim toward a conclusion. Their role has a lot of moving parts but, generally, includes tasks like investigating the claim and examining your policy’s coverage in relation to the loss. 

How fast does the claims handling process move?

Martin:
Great question. That depends on the complexity and severity of the loss that your business has suffered. Some claims can be resolved in days while others might take months. You’ll likely be kept in-the-know along the way, especially if UFG is your carrier. 

Those of us on the claims team at UFG follow a set of best practices we call the gold standard of claims. For us, that means our policyholders are at the heart of our roles. We strive to always remember the person behind the loss and put forth customer service that exceeds expectations. That’s because we know your world has been turned upside down if you’ve had to file a small business claim, and we want to help you turn right side up — fast. 

When you need to file a commercial claim with UFG, know that my colleagues and I are at the ready!