FAQ

So, you've had a claim. What do you do now? The following FAQs should provide you with some answers to the questions we receive most often. Any additional questions you might have should be directed to your agent or the claim adjuster.

1. How will filing a claim affect my policy?

a. Will my premium increase because of my claim?
b. Will I be cancelled if I file a claim?
c. Will I lose my discount if I file a claim?

2. What is a deductible?

3. Why do I need to file a claim?

4. How will I know if I'm being sued? What should I do?

5. Do I need to file a police report for theft?

6. What information do I need to report my claim?

7. What if the facts change or I don't have all of the information needed to report a claim?

8. What will I need to show proof of ownership for property stolen from my home?

9. Will my claim be covered?

10. My home is not safe to live in due to the damage. Will my insurance cover the cost for temporary living arrangements?

11. My tree fell on my neighbor's house. Are the damages to my neighbor's house covered under my policy?

12. Does my homeowner's policy cover damage caused by a flood?

13. How long will it take to handle my claim?

14. How can I get my stolen property replaced?

15. Who can I call with questions about my claim?

a. Will my premium increase because of my claim?
b. Will I be cancelled if I file a claim?
c. Will I lose my discount if I file a claim?

Premium increases generally occur as the result of the company's loss experience in a particular geographic area. Those rate increases affect all policyholders in that area. For more information about how your claim might affect your policy and/or rates, please contact your agent.

The deductible is your portion of a covered loss. The insurance company will pay any covered loss only when it exceeds the amount of your deductible up to any applicable limits on your policy. For example, if your covered loss is $1,000 and your deductible is $500, Manitowoc Mutual Insurance will pay you $500.

Your insurance policy stipulates the rights and responsibilities of both you and the insurance company. One of your responsibilities is to promptly report all claims to your insurance agent. Not promptly reporting claims may result in denial of coverage.

Usually, you'll receive a "Summons" or a "Complaint". It may be mailed to you or served upon you by an officer. Either way you should immediately notify Manitowoc Mutual.

Yes. This is one of your responsibilities specified in the policy.

The following information is helpful to the adjuster when a claim is reported:

a. The location of the loss
b. A description of the damaged or stolen property
c. The extent of the damages
d. Whether the authorities have been notified
e. Are temporary repairs needed?
f. Is the home liveable?

It's more important to report the claim promptly, but with little information, than it is to wait to report it with a lot of information. With some claims the sooner it is reported, the more the damage may be minimized.

Owner's manuals, receipts, credit card statements, photographs, appraisals, and original boxes all help to establish ownership of stolen or damaged personal property.

This is a question for your claim adjuster. Each claim has its own unique set of circumstances, and coverages vary by policy type.

Many policies have a coverage called Additional Living Expense. If your policy has this coverage, it is possible that temporary living arrangements will be covered. However, each claim situation must be evaluated individually.

Generally, there is no coverage for your neighbor's property on your policy unless you were somehow negligent. Your neighbor should make a claim on his/her homeowner's insurance.

Homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program. See your agent for more details.

The length of time it takes to resolve a claim will largely depend on the severity of the individual claim.

First, you should complete an inventory of all the stolen property. Then you should provide the inventory, proof of ownership, and a copy of the police report to your adjuster. The adjuster will work with you to resolve replacement of the stolen property according to the provisions of your particular policy.

You can call Manitowoc Mutual Insurance Company at 1 (800) 261-3736 (in Wisconsin only) or (920) 754-4440 (out of state). Anyone in the Claims Department can help you with your claim questions.