Claims Services
Report a Claim | Helpful Hints | FAQs
If you have a loss you may call us at (800) 343-3375 ext. 764 or 763, Fax (401) 721-0700 (First Loss Notices only), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll begin by taking your information and process your claim immediately. We’ll also notify your agent for you.
To inquire on the status of your claim
- Our customer service staff can provide you with general information on the status of your claim. Dial (800) 343-3375 ext. 764 or 763 during normal customer service hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
In the event of a loss please remember the following:
- Report your claim as soon as possible.
- Make necessary repairs to avoid additional damage.
- Preserve damaged property for inspection by our adjuster.
- Keep a detailed list of additional living expenses. Be sure to keep receipts of all expenses including temporary repairs, lodging, meals, etc.
- If your claim is the result of an action that constitutes a crime, be sure to report the incident to your local police department.
Please note: The following are general questions that frequently arise as a result of a loss or occurrence. The questions and answers are general in nature and are not intended to apply to all situations. If you have an occurrence or loss, it’s always best to advise your agent so that an answer can be provided which is specific to your situation. Please be aware that in an actual loss situation any coverage determinations are based on your policy wording.
Q. Do I have coverage of a pipe burst?
A. Yes. Damage to your home and personal property is covered by standard home, condominium, or renters policies for accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system. However, any damage to the pipes and plumbing equipment would only be covered if the damage were caused by a peril covered in the policy. For example, if the plumbing system failed due to corrosion and caused the pipe to burst, the damage to the pipes and plumbing system would not be covered since such failures are not covered in the standard policy.
In addition, we would cover the necessary and reasonable expense to tear-out a portion of the building to gain access to the part of the plumbing system where the failure occurred in order to effect repairs. While the actual repair to the plumbing failure would not be covered, the ensuing water damage would be covered.
We should point out that the freezing of a plumbing system (and ensuing rupture) are not covered unless you use reasonable care to maintain the heat in the structure.
Q. Do I have coverage if water seeped into my basement from the ground?
A. No. The standard home, condo and renter policies do not provide coverage for water seepage, since this is viewed as a maintenance issue. We suggest you contact a contractor about water proofing your basement.
However, we do offer an endorsement for additional premium, which provides, among other things, coverage for up to $5,000 (in excess of a $250 deductible) for damage caused by water, which overflows from a sump.
Q. Do I have coverage if a tree fell and damaged my roof?
A. Yes. You are covered for damages to your home along with the costs of removing the tree from the covered property to facilitate repairs. We offer an endorsement that provides limited coverage for tree removal from anywhere on your residence’s premises regardless of whether it damages covered property or not. If a tree is felled by windstorm, hail, or weight of snow or sleet, it is subject to a $250 deductible.
Q. Is my property covered against natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes?
A. Yes. Your property is covered against natural disasters. The exceptions are earthquakes and floods, both of which are not covered in the standard homeowner, condo and renters policies. You may purchase earthquake coverage as part of the homeowner, condo or renter policy, and you can purchase a separate flood policy, if appropriate. Please contact your independent agent to discuss flood and earthquake coverage.
Q. What should I do if my home is damaged by water?
A. We recommend the following:
- Turn off the water either at the site or at the main shut off. The main shut-off is usually inside your house by your water meter. In extreme cases, the Water Department can shut off the water off.
- Remove as much of the water as you can by mopping, blotting or using a wet/dry vacuum.
- Wipe down any wood furniture that is wet.
- Remove furniture from wet areas, if possible, and place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the furniture legs that are on the carpet. This prevents the furniture from wicking up water, which could potentially stain your carpeting.
- Try to increase the airflow to the affected rooms to accelerate the drying process. In warm weather, use of your air conditioner or dehumidifier will help to remove moisture from the air.
- Remove all items such as rugs and furnishings from the wet areas.
- Open cabinet doors and drawers to reduce drying time.
- Make small drill holes in sagging ceilings to drain trapped water. Please be sure to place buckets underneath to catch the water. Do not attempt this procedure if ceiling collapse is imminent.
Please never do the following:
- Never use electrical appliances while on the wet floor.
- Never use a regular vacuum to remove the water.
- Never leave anything on the wet floors.
- Never use ceiling fans or lights attached to a wet ceiling.
Q. Are my house and personal property covered for vandalism?
A. Yes. You have coverage for damage to your house and personal property up to your policy limits provided your house has not been vacant for more than 60 consecutive days immediately before the damage.
Q. During a storm we lost our electrical power for several hours and had to throw out all of the contents of our refrigerator. Can we make a claim for the spoiled food?
A. It depends on the coverage you purchase with us. The standard homeowner, condo and renter policies do not provide this coverage. Damages to your personal property, of which food is considered, are covered on a named perils basis. “Named perils” means that only certain causes of loss listed in the policy are covered. If a cause of loss like power failure, which is not a named peril in the policy, creates the loss, the food spoilage is not covered. However, if a named peril such as lightning can be directly connected to the power failure, the food spoilage would be covered subject to your deductible.
If you store a lot of expensive items in your refrigerator or freezer you may want to contact your independent agent about purchasing more coverage. Under our Mariner Endorsement, we provide up to $250 of coverage for food spoilage and no deductible applies to the Food Spoilage provision.
Q. Do I have coverage if I lose a piece of jewelry?
A. No. The standard homeowner, condo and renter policies do not cover your personal property for losses due to “mysterious disappearance.” Personal property coverage is provided on a named perils basis, and mysterious disappearance is not one of the named perils. You may purchase this coverage by “scheduling” your valuable items. Please contact your independent agent to discuss scheduling your property.
Q. My $5,000 laptop computer was stolen while I was traveling for business. Am I covered?
A. Yes, you are covered but only for a limit of $1500. Your personal property that is used in any way for business purposes is subject to a $2,500 limit while the property is on the residence premises and $1500 while off the premises. You may purchase additional coverage for personal property used for business. More specifically, you may purchase an endorsement specifically for the replacement cost of your scheduled personal computer. Please contact your independent agent to discuss this coverage.