Frequently Asked Questions
Your Insurance Claim Questions, Answered
Coverage Details
That depends on several factors. For example: what coverage you purchased, what caused the loss or damage, what property was lost or damaged, etc. If you’re wondering if a particular loss or damage would be covered, contact your agent.
Our policies do not cover flood damage. However, if you also purchased a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, the damages may be covered. Talk with your agent for more details.
If you purchased personal property coverage in your policy and your loss involves personal property, we’ll need a detailed list and description of all damaged, lost, or stolen personal property. Your claims representative will help you catalog all items. They’ll then evaluate that information to determine what is covered and to establish its value.
Filing a Claim
Yes. Reporting losses to the appropriate authorities is required by your policy.
Your safety is priority number one. If you purchased additional living expenses coverage as part of your policy, and a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, your policy will cover a reasonable increase in living costs to maintain your normal standard of living. Some restrictions and limitations apply.
No. File your claim as soon as possible after your loss. Then, if you come across additional information that would help your claim representative with the claim, provide it to them at that time. We can even reopen a claim after it’s closed if you obtain information that might result in an additional payment to you.
A home inventory with photos done prior to a loss can be extremely valuable in determining the extent of your loss.
If you’ve suffered a major loss, you may be contacted by a public adjuster. These are independent claims adjusters who will charge you a fee for their services based on the total value of your claim. That fee is not a covered expense, and you cannot seek reimbursement for their fee from us. We’re confident your claims representative will investigate, evaluate and settle your claim fairly and efficiently so that you do not need to hire a public adjuster, but the final decision is yours to make.
Studies have shown that generally, hail must be 1¼ inches in diameter (half-dollar size) before it causes damage to heavy composite shingles or wood shake shingles. Lightweight composite shingles may show damage after being struck by 1-inch diameter (quarter-size) hail.
Check the trees, shrubs, and plants around your house. If they’re stripped of their foliage, there is a possibility your roof is damaged. You should also check for roof damage if patio covers, screens, or soft aluminum roof vents are dented.
Check your car for dents and broken or cracked glass. Report a claim to your auto insurance carrier if you desire.
If safe to do so, cover any broken windows and holes in your roof so no water can enter and damage your home’s interior.
Take all reasonable measures to protect your property. Have your roof tarped in any area that is leaking to prevent additional water damage.
Make only temporary repairs. Your claims representative needs to look at the damage before permanent repairs can be authorized.
If you filed a claim, your claims representative will contact you shortly. If the storm was widespread, we may have a large number of our policyholders who need assistance and that may take us a little longer to contact you.
Allow only your insurance claims representative and the roofer you have selected to get up on your roof. Each time someone walks on it, more damage can occur.
Be wary of out-of-town roofers who move into an area and set up shop following a storm. See the straightforward laws contractors must follow according to the Wisconsin Storm Chaser Bill. Select a company with established credibility and local references.
Be sure the roofers have workers compensation and liability insurance. If they don’t, you may be held liable if one of the workers is injured or if they damage a neighbor’s property.
Existing Claims
Yes. Your claims representative will work with your choice of vendor or contractor.
Seek out contractors who have a proven track record in your area. To help ensure you choose a reliable contractor:
- Talk with friends, neighbors and relatives who have hired contractors.
- Get references from any contractor you interview and check them.
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information about the contractors you’re considering.
- Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms.
- Verify the contractor has an active license in Wisconsin. Check the state website here.
By choosing your own contractor, you manage their work and ensure the repairs meet your standards.
We know you’re eager to start putting your home back together, but it’s best to wait until we’ve conducted our on-site inspection. What you should do is protect your property from further damage by covering broken windows or gaps in the roof or exterior walls. This way, we can identify all the damages that may be covered by your policy, ensuring you receive everything you’re entitled to.
Feel free to contact your claim representative when you need a status update, and let that person know how often, or at which points in the process, you’d like to be updated. We’ll be in touch at other times too, whenever there’s something we need to discuss.
If you purchased replacement cost coverage in your policy, we will cover the actual cost of repairing or replacing damaged, destroyed or stolen personal property with property of like kind and quality.
We’ll make an initial payment based on the current value of that property. Once you have repaired or replaced the covered item, we’ll pay an additional amount, up to the actual cost to repair or replace. Your claims representative can give you specific information about your claim.
Contact your claims representative and report the additional damage. We will determine if a re-inspection is needed and if the damage is covered by your policy
Making a Payment
Your deductible will be subtracted from the amount of your loss before we deliver your payment. You will likely pay the amount of your deductible directly to your contractor once repairs are completed.
Settlements
Not always. However, certain factors may cause your premium to increase, such as:
- Government regulations
- How many claims and the type of claims you’ve previously made with Ellington
- Your policy’s specific limitations
When you have a mortgage on your home, settlement checks typically are made payable to both you and your mortgagee, as required by the mortgagee. You’ll need to contact your bank or mortgage company directly to determine their check endorsement policy and requirements.
Questions? Concerns?
Contact your agent with your insurance claim questions and get answers.
