How To Report a Claim

At Sanford and Tatum Insurance, we’re dedicated to providing our clients quality insurance policies and superior customer service. Should the unfortunate occur and it’s time to file a claim, know that Sanford and Tatum Insurance is ready to walk you through the claims process and take the guess work out of how to file a claim. We’re ready to assist you in any way we can.

To report a claim during business hours, please call our agency at (800)749-5564 or by Emailing Us as soon as possible. We will direct you concerning the next steps in the claims process. Should you need to begin the claims process outside of normal business hours, please contact your insurance carrier directly, then contact us as soon as possible.

Should you be faced with an unfortunate car accident or recreational vehicle accident, we hope you will remember to stop your vehicle and move it to a safe place. If medical assistance is needed for you or any passengers, call the local authorities immediately and always remain at the scene.

Once the local authorities are on scene, always cooperate and answer all of their questions, but never admit fault to anyone. Be sure to jot down addresses, telephone numbers, type of vehicles involved in the accident as well as any contact information for witnesses. Take photos of the damage if possible.

Should you be faced with an unfortunate property claim, such as due to fire, flood, theft, etc., please remember to call the appropriate authorities should the loss involves theft or vandalism or if someone has been injured.

Next, protect your damaged property by making reasonable repairs that can be completed safely to ensure no further damage can occur. For example, secure a tarp on the roof for leaks, cover shattered windows, etc. Be sure to keep all receipts for any supplies that were needed to complete the temporary repairs.

Once you’ve secured yourself and prevented any further damage, Make a list of all items that were damaged or destroyed, including descriptions of the items, original costs, and approximate ages of all items. (Sanford and Tatum Insurance recommends recording your inventory with a video camera and keep receipts or credit card statements for any major purchase, such as appliances, farm equipment, etc.)

The following information may be helpful to you immediately following an accident.

Property (Fire/Water/Wind/Theft/Vandalism/Etc):

Make whatever repairs are necessary to ensure no further damage can occur. For instance, turn off the water main for burst pipes, place a tarp on the roof for leaks, etc. (Keep a record of repair costs and retain receipts for these immediate and necessary expenditures.)
If the loss involves theft or vandalism, call the police immediately.
Call our office to report the claim as soon as possible. We will verify your coverage/deductible and give you advice for obtaining estimates for repairs.

Auto (Vehicle/Boat/RV):

Windshield:

Call our office to report the damage.
We will verify your coverage/deductible and then advise you on how to get it repaired.

One Vehicle Accident:

Stop your vehicle and move it to a safe place.
Determine if you or any passengers are injured. Call for medical assistance if needed.
Call our office as soon as possible to report the accident. We will verify your coverage/deductible and then advise you to obtain estimates for repairs.

Two (or more) Vehicle Accident:

Stop your vehicle and move it to a safe place, if possible.
Remain at the scene of the accident, and determine if you or any passengers are injured. Call for medical assistance if needed.
Exchange the following information with the other driver(s): names, addresses, telephone numbers, type and ownership of vehicles, insurance information, a description of damages.
Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
Call the police. Cooperate with the police and answer all of their questions.
Do not admit fault to anyone. You do not have all of the facts about the accident yet.
If your vehicle must be towed, ask that it be taken to a repair shop of your choice.
Call our office and report the accident as soon as possible. Our staff will verify your coverage/deductible and set up your claim with the insurance company that carries your policy.