CLAIMS REPORTING

Our Claims Deparment works with your Account Representative to assist you with the filling of your claim and will continue to work closely with you until your claim is settled.

Any questions regarding your claim or for assistance can be directed to our
Claims Manager, Gina Gorry, in our Jericho Office at:

1-516-352-7500 during regular office hours
or can be filed by fax at 1-516-437-0435
or after business hours at 1-516-384-3187
or by email: claims@interinsurance.com

To submit a claim online, click here.

 

You may also wish to file your claim directly with some of our Carriers by calling 
their  24 Hour - 7 days a week " Claim Hot Lines" 

Harleysville- Worcester Insurance Group Call: 1-800-892-8877
Utica National Insurance Group Call: 1-800-456-4556
Utica First Insurance Company Call: 1-315-736-8211
Progressive Insurance Company Call: 1-800-274-4499
Travelers Company Call: 1-800-CLAIM33
New York State Insurance Fund Web: www.nysif.com

 

Here are a few tips on handling certain claims situations that you may be faced with:

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT:

STOP...do not leave the scene of any accident.
Call police and, if necessary call for medical assistance. Keep a record of the police report number.
Get names and addresses of all persons involved and license numbers of all drivers involved.
Get description and registration numbers of all cars involved.
Get names and addresses of all occupants and at least two witnesses.
Diagram the accident showing all cars involved.
Do not assign or accept blame for accident.
Make an immediate report to your insurance agent.
If physically unable to follow above procedures, ask the police, a family member or friend to call

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY CLAIM:

WATER DAMAGE

Water can severely damage many different materials. The harmful effect of water is can be reduced by prompt and wise action. Some procedures are obvious; others require foresight and some experience.

DO..

Remove as much excess water as possible by moping, blotting or by using a water-shop vacuum.
Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn on Air Conditioning for maximum drying in summer, open windows to speed drying during seasonable months.
Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying.
Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place.
Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve the pressure and weight of any trapped water.
Open any suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight if possible.

Do Not....


Leave wet fabrics in place: dry these as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
Leave books, magazines or other colored items on carpets or floors.
Use your household vacuum to remove water.
Use TV's or other electric appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE

After fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help but incorrect or delayed actions can jeopardize or seriously effect cleaning or restoration.

Do....


Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of oil.
Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
Open windows for ventilation.
Remove Family members and pets to a safer place.
Change any furnace air filters.
Empty any spoiled foods from the freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coating of oil.
Pour a little auto antifreeze in toilet bowls, to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
Call plumber to drain heating system as soon as possible if heat is off in winter.

Do Not...

Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
Use exposed food items, or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
Use TVs. stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked. Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning

SOOT (FURNACE) DAMAGE ("PUFF BACKS")

Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical, experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot. Incorrect actions can make restoration more difficult and could greatly delay your "return to normal." These Emergency Tips can increase the chances for prompt and successful restoration.

Do...

Change furnace filter.
Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use.
Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting
Tape doubled pieces of cheesecloth over any air registers with masking tape.

Do Not....

Attempt to clean walls or ceilings.
Use do-it-yourself, home carpet or upholstery cleaners.

GENERAL LIABILITY CLAIMS:

While the facts and circumstances are fresh in the minds of all concerned, an incident report should be filled out and submitted as soon as possible to the Insurance Department. Please note any relevant facts such as:
Condition of the premises (was floor wet, something in the isle, spills etc).
Name(s), telephone number, address of any witnesses.
Any statements that the injured person has made regarding the incident.
Injured person's physical state (include where they appeared to be injured)

No discussions, offers or admissions by the Insured(s) can be allowed as this may compromise the claim inquiry and investigation process.
It is imperative that the Insurance Carrier and our Office be contacted immediately and also that the Incident Report be prepared and faxed to us as soon as possible so that a notification can be filed as a "first report" with the Insurance Company. A picture is worth its weight in gold, especially if it will refute the allegations of the other party. We suggest that the involved persons try to take pictures of the accident/incident scene with a disposable camera and send this along with the report for the Insurance Company to use in their investigation as well.