W.J. Wheeler Insurance Company

If you have a loss, remember to take care of important priorities first. Get help (call 911). Make sure people are safe from further harm. Then take steps to protect property from further harm. 

Notifying us of a claim

As agents for your insurance company, we are required to give them notice when you report a loss to us. If you intend to file a claim with your insurance company, please notify us or the insurance company as soon as possible. 

Liability Claims

• If someone else is injured, take steps to fix the problem by seeking first aid care for that person. Medical Payments coverage is a no-fault coverage available under many policies. While the per-person limit is small, using this coverage may prevent someone from deciding to file suit later, which could save you and the insurance company money in the long run. Be sure to provide us with written proof of the claim as soon as possible, and to authorize the insurance company to obtain medical reports and records.
• If property of others you are responsible for is stolen, notify the police immediately.
• If you believe that you are legally liable for damages to another person (bodily injury) or their property, believe that a suit (even a nuisance suit) will be filed, or receive a notice of suit or other legal notice, notify your agent immediately, and fax any received notice along with all available information on the time, place and circumstances of the accident or event leading to the suit.
• Do not, under any circumstances, offer to make payment, assume obligation or incur any expense (other than first aid). If you do, you may waive the insurance companies rights under your insurance policies, and they may be within their rights then, under the same policy, to deny coverage.

Auto Claims

1. Do not admit fault or discuss your insurance coverage
2. Do not leave the scene of an accident
3. Notify the police immediately and call for medical attention
4. The following information should be included in a policy report. Verify with the responding law enforcement agent that it will be, and collect it yourself if it will not be collected for you:
   • The name, address, telephone numbers, and license # for all drivers, passengers and witnesses
   • The year/make/model and plate # for each involved vehicle
   • The insurance company name, telephone number and policy number for each driver and vehicle owner involved
5. Get an estimate for repairs from the auto body shop of your choice, but do not authorize any work until the insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the vehicle.

Property Claims

1. If your coverage property is damaged, take steps to prevent further damage (move it, cover it, secure it, etc.) and keep accurate records of expenses you incur in this way.
2. If property is stolen, notify the police immediately.
3. If there is a loss under Credit Card or Fund Transfer coverage, notify that company immediately.
4. Prepare an inventory of damaged property, to include the quantity, description, and value of each item. Attach all bills, receipts, and other documents that justify values.
5. Be prepared to show the damaged property and provide all requested documentation.