Insurance Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Should I file a claim?
When faced with the decision to file a claim, it could help to consider the following points:
- Check your coverage
- Before filing a claim, review your policy for coverage, including whether the incident occurred within the policy period. If in doubt, it's worth reaching out.
- Assess the impact & act promptly
- Consider whether the damage is likely to exceed your deductible, and act promptly if it affects the safety of your property, vehicle, or home.
- In cases of liability or injury, promptly report the incident to help us help you efficiently. We're here to guide you through the process.
At Selective, we understand navigating the claims process can be complex. We're here to support you along the way. If you're unsure or need assistance, don't hesitate to file your claim online or contact our Claims team at 1-866-455-9969.
Will my premium increase after filing a claim?
Selective considers several factors when determining your premium. Claims for losses due to circumstances beyond your control, like severe weather or vandalism, are less likely to impact your premium, whereas at-fault claims are more likely to increase your premium (this is standard practice across the insurance industry). Your independent agent can help you understand how filing an insurance claim might affect your premium.
What if the car accident was someone else's fault?
You can file a claim with the other driver's insurance company if they're at fault. Before you do, however, consider the severity of the damage, whether there are any personal injuries, and the available evidence to support your claim. Some customers file a claim with Selective if someone else is at fault. In this case, Selective pays for the loss and then pursues the at-fault party's carrier for compensation. However, you must pay your Selective deductible if you go this route. Your independent agent can help you make an informed decision about filing a claim.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
The amount you'll need to pay out of pocket when filing an insurance claim depends on your policy's deductible and coverage limits. The deductible is the portion you're responsible for paying before insurance coverage applies. Coverage limits exist for the policy and specific loss types covered under the policy, such as liability for a third party's physical injury. Review your policy documents for complete coverage details and limitations. Additionally, some policies have provisions like accident forgiveness that may waive the deductible or premium increase for the first claim.
Reimbursement for stolen or damaged property may consider depreciation, requiring you to cover the difference between the depreciated property and its replacement value. Review your policy with your agent to understand specific details on out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim.
How long does it take for a claim to be resolved?
Selective’s claims experts are available for claim reporting 24/7 365 days a year. Once your claim is reported, our claims team will begin the review process and work directly with you to understand the unique circumstances that play a role in your reported claim.
Claims adjusters who receive a claim before 2 PM ET on a business day will typically respond within 24 hours to begin the claims process.
Less complex claims, such as glass breakage or single vehicle accidents, can often be resolved quickly by one of our adjusters in 5 business days or less. Supplying photos or having an estimate may help speed up the process in cases like these.
More complex claims, such as those with multiple parties, may take longer to resolve. Selective’s adjusters frequently work with all parties to capture applicable facts, establish whether coverage exists, and determine a resolution. Customers can generally expect a target resolution of a few weeks for these types of claims.
Whether a claim is covered depends on the specific facts of the claim and the applicable policy's terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
CLAIMS RESOURCES & SERVICES
The resources and services below can help you learn more and ease the claims process.