Question: I have a loss, what should I do?
Answer: First thing you should do is gather information. It is easy to forget the series of event that occurred after a traumatic loss has happened. If it is easier, write things down as soon as you can so you do not forget the details. You will be asked when you call in your claim about the cause of loss, date and time the claim occurred. Before calling your independent agent make sure you have contact numbers and an address at where you can be reached along with your policy number and information. If you are unable to contact your independent agent, contact our Claims Department at Broome Co-operative directly at 607-321-2655 or toll free at 1-866-921-BCIC. Our business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Question: I have sustained a loss and I am unable to reach either my agent or Broome Co-operative, what should I do?
Answer: First take all reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. Notify the police when the act causing the loss is a violation of the law. If temporary repairs are needed make sure you take pictures of all the damaged property before altering it in any way. Take an inventory of all damaged property and secure the property for examination. Do not dispose of any damaged items as it may be necessary to refer back to those damaged items throughout the adjusting process. Obtain detailed estimates for repair of the damages, making sure material and labor is clearly separated. Acquire names, addresses and telephone numbers of all potential claimants or witnesses and any other information that you feel is significant to the claim.
Question: What forms will I need to fill out involving my claim?
Answer: Each claim is unique in its own way, but certain claims require certain standard forms. For a lightning claim a Lightning Affidavit form is required to be filled out by the contractor repairing the damages. For damage to personal property an Inventory sheet is needed listing all the damaged items including cost of purchase and replacement cost. For further information please contact a Broome Co-operative Claims representative.
Question: What is a public adjuster and do I need to hire one if I have a claim.
Answer: A public adjuster is a person that will represent you for a fee in the presenting a claim to your insurance company. The fee is deducted from any loss settlement paid. Public adjusters work for companies that are in no way representative of Broome Co-operative Insurance Company or of your Insurance Agent. Broome Co-operative has an excellent claims department that will work with you and try to settle your claim fairly and in a timely manner.
Question: What is a third party claim?
Answer: A third party claim is when a person other than yourself or family that resides with you, seeks to recover money from you, usually as a result of an accident. If this should arise, notify your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Have your policy information available and try to record any details you remember.
If the plaintiff decides to present a claim against you, the plaintiff’s attorney normally completes the legal work. Your Insurance Company will normally respond and defend you if you have coverage. In order for your Insurance Company to build a proper defense, you are required to cooperate with our Company and any of its representatives such as an independent adjuster or defense attorney. Please make sure that when someone contacts you that you know who they are. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact Broome Co-operative to make sure they are a representative of our company. It is important that you do not communicate directly with the plaintiff or the plaintiffs’ representative including any attorneys or other insurance companies regarding the claim. If you are approached by one of the claimant’s representatives do not do any of the following without contacting Broome Co-operative Insurance Company first. This list includes, but not limited to:
Question: Why do lien holders, mortgagees, and additional insured’s get put on settlement checks?
Answer: Under the terms of your policy, any lien holders, mortgagees, and/or additional insured listed on the policy have a financial interest in the property that was damaged. When a settlement check is issued, any lien holders, mortgagees, and/or additional insured are entitled to have their name(s) appear on the check.
Question: I am not satisfied with my claim and would like to file a complaint, what can I do?
Answer: Broome Co-operative strives to adjust every claim fairly. If you feel we have overlooked an important detail which would change the outcome of a claim, please contact us to discuss your claim further. If you are still not satisfied and wish to take the matter up with the New York State Insurance Department, you may file a complaint with the Department either on its website at www.ins.state.ny.us/complhow.htm or you may write to or visit the Consumer Services Bureau, New York State Insurance Department at:
25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004
One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY 12257
200 Old Country Road, Suite 340, Mineola, NY 11501
Walter J. Mahoney Building, 65 Court Street, Buffalo, NY 14202