How to File a Small Business Insurance Claim

If you’re filing a claim between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time, call our toll-free number (1-888-654-6030) to speak to one of our brokers. You will need to have the following information to give them:

• The name of your business and the insured’s full name (that’s you, the business owner), your business’s address, phone number, and an email address to contact you.

• Your business insurance policy number and the name of the insurance company that insures you.

• Describe what happened. Take notes, photos, and a video of the damages if possible. Tell your broker what happened and what is damaged. Who was involved? Where and when did the event happen? Was anyone injured? Your Zensurance broker will collect all these details from you and inform your insurance company.

• If your claim involves the police, for example, if your commercial property was vandalized or items were stolen from your property, ask for the police officer’s information so you can retrieve a copy of their report on the incident.

• Your broker will walk you through the claims process so you know what to expect.

• Your broker will continue to monitor your claim after it’s filed with your insurance company and keep you informed as to what is happening throughout the entire process.

• Your broker essentially serves as a liaison between you and your insurance company’s adjuster and will update you on how your policy applies to the type of damage or loss you have suffered.

Of note, remember that as your broker, Zensurance does not decide the outcome of your claim. The decision rests with your insurance company that issued your policy.

If you’re filing a claim after business hours (between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. Eastern Time), call our toll-free after-hours number (1-833-780-8046) and leave a detailed message. You will need to have the following information to give them:

• The name of your business, your full name, the business’s address, phone number, and email address.

• Your insurance policy number and the name of your insurance company provider.

• A description of what happened, where, and when. Likewise, it’s helpful to provide all relevant details, including any photos or videos you have of the damage or loss.

Zensurance provides emergency claims assistance 24 hours a day, so even if you contact us overnight, you will receive instructions on the next steps you may need to take. You can also contact us by email to provide details (like photos or a video) at claims@zensurance.com.

After reporting your claim, a licensed broker will contact you to confirm it has been received, and answer any questions you may have, such as clarifying what coverages your policy provides, how long it may take to resolve your claim, and all other pertinent details.

What to Expect After Filing a Claim

After you’ve reported your claim to your Zensurance broker, who has reviewed it with you, the broker will submit it to your insurance company provider. Here’s what happens next:

• An adjuster or representative from your insurance company will contact you, typically within 48 hours. If your claim is urgent or an emergency, be sure to let your Zensurance broker know from the get-go.

• Your insurer’s adjuster will begin an investigation into your claim, which is common, and they may speak with any of the other parties involved, for example, your commercial property landlord, the police, any witnesses, or third parties who are involved.

• It’s important to cooperate with your insurer’s adjuster. Be responsive and keep the line of communication open.

• Your adjuster may ask for additional information, such as an inventory of damaged items, receipts for items you purchased or for any emergency repair work you require. Ensuring the adjuster receives this information is helpful to get your claim resolved quickly.

• If your situation changes or there are new developments, please be sure to let your broker know as soon as you can.

Your Broker Is Your Partner for Stress-Free Claims Management

Filing a business insurance claim for damage or loss can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Your Zensurance broker is available to assist you throughout the process and help alleviate your stress. If you feel your claim or adjuster is not moving along efficiently, or if you have additional questions, let your broker know immediately.

Though the claims process is designed to ensure repairs get done and settlements offered as quickly as possible, every claim an insurance company receives is managed individually. That means the timeline for resolving your claim is unique. Regardless, our brokers are your insurance partners and representatives who strive to get all claims resolved rapidly.

One more thing: it’s worthwhile to review your insurance policy annually or whenever there’s been a change to your business to ensure you have the right amount of coverage relevant to your business or profession. Have a conversation with your licensed broker about your policy, or get a free quote for the business insurance policy you need to cover your assets and protect your business.