The Commercial Auto Claims Process What You Need to Know

A commercial auto insurance claim is a request for reimbursement from your insurance company after a covered incident involving your business vehicle. This could include accidents that occur while delivering goods, running errands for the business, or driving between job sites. It’s important to understand that filing a claim does not guarantee approval, nor does it mean that any reimbursement that you may receive will cover the entire loss. The outcome of your claim can vary depending on the specifics of the incident and the coverages outlined in your policy.

Prepare for the Unexpected

A little planning now can help you avoid unnecessary delays later. Before hitting the road, take these steps:

• Store insurance details in every company vehicle – Ensure drivers have quick access to policy information.
• Keep an accident report form on hand – Capture key details at the scene for accurate reporting.
• Save your agent’s contact information – Make it easy to reach out for guidance when needed.

What to Do After an Accident

After a car accident, theft, or act of vandalism, staying calm and following the right steps is key. We’ll walk you through useful actions to take based on the type of incident involved.

Accidents Involving Another Person, Property, or Wildlife

• Pull over safely, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Call 9-1-1 if anyone is injured or your vehicle is disabled. Otherwise, contact the police at a non-emergency number to file an accident report.
• Do not approach animals (if involved) and wait for authorities for your own safety.
• Avoid making statements about fault and only discuss details about the accident with law enforcement or your insurance agent.
• Exchange information with other involved parties, including contact and insurance details.
• Record key details, such as the time, place, and details of the incident.
• Gather supporting documentation, including photographs and videos of the scene, witness statements, and a copy of the police report (if applicable).
• Document any injuries, even those that may appear minor, as they could lead to medical expenses down the line.
• Keep receipts for any immediate expenses related to the incident as these can be submitted for potential reimbursement.
• Call Westfield at 800.243.0210, option 3, to file a commercial auto claim.

Glass-Only Damage Involving Windshield or Windows

• Take photos or video of the damage from multiple angles.
• Keep receipts for any immediate expenses related to repairs for possible reimbursement.
• Gather your policy number, date of the incident, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Submit an auto glass claim online or call Westfield Glass Service at 800.810.3665.

Weather-Related Damage, Including Hail and Fallen Trees

• Seek shelter under an overpass or inside a covered structure during the storm if possible.
• Document damage with photos or videos from multiple angles.
• Cover broken windows with plastic or tarps to prevent additional weather-related damage.
• Keep receipts for any materials purchased for potential reimbursement.
• Call Westfield at 800.243.0210, option 3, to file a commercial auto claim.

Vehicle Vandalism

• Report the incident to the police at a non-emergency number and obtain a copy of the report.
• Gather witness statements if there were any bystanders and collect their contact details.
• Avoid making repairs or cleaning up any damage until a claims adjuster has assessed the vehicle.
• Cover broken windows with plastic or tarps to prevent further damage.
• Take photos of the damage and provide recent photos of the vehicle before the incident if possible.
• Document damaged items and locate receipts if available.

Theft of a Business Vehicle

• Alert authorities, providing details like the theft location, vehicle description, VIN, license plate number, and GPS tracking system
• Inform the police if your vehicle has a GPS tracking system.
• Notify your lender or leasing company if the vehicle is leased or financed.
• Call Westfield at 800.243.0210, option 3, to file a commercial auto claim.

What to Expect When Filing a Commercial Auto Insurance Claim

If you need to file a commercial auto claim, it’s important to get started as soon as possible, as some states have filing deadlines. When reporting your claim, please have the following information ready, so our team can better assist you:

• Your policy number
• The police report or report number, if applicable
• A brief description of the incident
• Contact details for any other parties involved, if available

Once you’ve reported the claim, a dedicated claims professional will help guide you through the process, answering questions along the way. The claims process will include:

• Gathering facts about the accident and related documentation
• Explaining the coverages in your policy and your deductible
• Evaluating your claim and assessing the damage
• Helping to arrange a rental vehicle, if your policy provides such coverage

Finalizing Your Commercial Auto Insurance Claim

After your claim is fully reviewed, it may be approved or denied. You have the right to appeal the decision if you disagree with the outcome. If you have a covered claim, you can choose to have the payment directly deposited into your bank account or receive a check by mail.

Keep Your Business Moving With the Right Coverage

Having the proper commercial auto insurance can help provide peace of mind for you and your employees while on the road. It’s important to regularly review your policy to make sure your coverage matches your business needs, and it’s equally essential to review the drivers listed on your policy to ensure they meet all requirements.

Whether you have a single company vehicle or an entire fleet of delivery trucks, Westfield has options that fit your business needs. For a personalized quote, reach out to an agent today.