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Report an Insurance Claim
When something unexpected happens, your safety comes first. Once everyone is safe, report the incident as soon as possible and begin collecting the information your insurer may need.
You can start your claim online, contact your insurance company directly or call Begin Insurance for help identifying the appropriate next step.
Overview
Your safety comes first. Call 911 immediately if:
- Someone is injured or in immediate danger
- There is a fire, suspected gas leak or crime in progress
- A collision has created unsafe road conditions
- Your home or business is unsafe to enter
Do not put yourself at risk to take photos, retrieve belongings or prevent further damage.
You can start a claim through our self-serve portal or contact your insurer using the emergency number below.
For help during business hours, call Begin Insurance at 1.844.774.6340. After hours, contact your insurer directly. Do not delay reporting an urgent incident because you are unsure whether it is covered.
Emergency Contact Numbers
for Insurance Claims
1.800.995.1662 CA/USA Toll-Free
00.800.842.08420 Worldwide Toll-Free
Country Code + 800.842.08420 Worldwide Toll-Free
Claim Types
What Can We Help You With?
Auto Insurance Claims
Get guidance after a collision, vehicle theft, vandalism, glass damage or another insured incident involving your vehicle.
Home, Condo and Tenant Insurance Claims
Find out what to do following water damage, fire, storm damage, theft, vandalism or damage to your belongings.
Business Insurance Claims
Report damage or losses involving your commercial property, equipment, inventory, operations, vehicles or potential legal liability.
Travel Insurance Claims
Find the appropriate emergency assistance number and learn what documents may be required for medical, trip cancellation or baggage claims.
Life and Health Insurance Claims
Get help locating the forms and contact information for life, critical illness, disability or personal health insurance claims.
Auto Insurance
What Should You Do After a Collision?
When it is safe to do so, follow these steps to protect yourself, gather key information, and support your insurance claim:
1. Ensure safety first and check for injuries. Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or there is serious danger (fire, leaking fluids, or blocked traffic).
2. Call emergency services or a collision reporting centre if required. Police may need to be contacted for injuries, major damage, suspected impairment, or if vehicles cannot be moved. Follow local reporting rules.
3. Exchange essential information with all parties involved. Collect and provide:
– Full name and contact details
– Driver’s licence number
– Licence plate number
– Insurance company and policy number
– Vehicle make, model, and colour
4. Document the scene. Take photos and videos of:
– All vehicles and damage
– Road conditions and surroundings
– Traffic signs, skid marks, and relevant details
5. Record witness information. If there are witnesses, ask for their name, contact details, and what they saw.
6. Do not admit fault. Avoid responsibility statements. Stick to factual descriptions only.
7. Contact your insurance company promptly. Report the incident and share your policy number, details of the collision, and any photos or notes you collected.
What Information Should You Collect?
Gathering complete and accurate information at the scene helps speed up your claim and reduces delays. If possible, record the following:
1. Incident details: Exact date, time, and location (street names, intersections, or landmarks)
2. Other driver information: Full name, phone number, address, driver’s licence number, and licence plate
3. Vehicle details: Make, model, year, colour, and any visible damage for all vehicles involved
4. Insurance information: Insurance company name, policy number, and expiry date for each driver
5. Police or reporting details: Officer name, badge number, report number, or collision reporting centre reference
6. Witness information: Names and contact details of any independent witnesses
7. Visual evidence: Photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions
8. Towing and repair details: Tow truck company name, destination yard, and any repair shop information if the vehicle is moved
Home Insurance
What Should You Do After Property Damage?
When your home, condo, or rental property is damaged, it can feel overwhelming. The most important thing is to stay safe, then take a few simple steps to protect your property and make the claims process easier later.
When it is safe:
1. Contact emergency services when there is a fire, crime or immediate danger.
Call 911 if there is any risk to people or the property. Do not handle dangerous situations yourself.
2. Take steps to prevent further damage.
Once safe, limit additional loss (e.g., cover broken windows, place buckets under leaks, or move items away from water). Only do what is safe.
3. Shut off water or electricity if needed.
Turn off utilities if there is flooding, leaks, or electrical risk. If unsure, wait for a professional.
4. Take photos and videos.
Document all damage before cleaning or moving items. Include wide shots and close-ups.
5. List damaged or missing items.
Note what was affected, including approximate value, brand, or age if known.
6. Keep receipts for emergency costs.
Save receipts for urgent repairs or temporary accommodation; they may be reimbursable.
7. Report the incident to your insurer.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start your claim and get next steps.
Do not make permanent repairs or discard damaged items unless required for safety until your insurer advises you.
Common Property Claim Situations
These are the most common types of home and property insurance claims. Each situation may require slightly different documentation or steps, so choose the one that best matches your situation:
1. Water damage – leaks, burst pipes, appliance failures, or flooding
2. Fire and smoke damage – damage caused by fire, smoke, or firefighting efforts
3. Wind and hail damage – roof, siding, or exterior damage from storms
4. Theft or burglary – stolen items or break-ins
5. Sewer backup – wastewater entering the home through drains or plumbing
6. Frozen or burst pipes – damage caused by freezing temperatures and pipe failure
7. Damage to personal belongings – furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables
8. Temporary accommodation – costs if you cannot safely stay in your home
9. Tenant insurance claims – coverage for renters’ belongings and liability
Business Insurance
What Should You Do After a Business Loss?
Protect employees, customers and visitors first. Once the area is safe, take a few practical steps to help limit further loss and make the claims process smoother:
1. Secure the affected property by restricting access, locking doors, or cordoning off unsafe areas to prevent further damage or injury.
2. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as shutting off utilities or covering exposed areas if it is safe to do so.
3. Preserve photos, videos, security footage and system records so there is clear documentation of what happened and the extent of the damage.
4. Create a detailed list of damaged equipment, inventory or property, including approximate values where possible.
5. Record how the incident has affected business operations, such as downtime, lost sales or interrupted services.
6. Keep all repair estimates, invoices and financial records related to cleanup, restoration or temporary solutions.
7. Forward any legal demands, notices or court documents to the insurer immediately so they can advise on next steps.
8. Avoid admitting liability or making statements about fault before speaking with the insurer, as this can affect how the claim is assessed.
travel Insurance
Do You Need Emergency Medical Help While Travelling?
Seek immediate medical help when necessary. Contact the emergency assistance provider listed on your travel insurance policy as soon as reasonably possible.
Depending on the claim, you may need:
1. Your travel insurance policy number and government-issued ID
2. Medical reports, itemized invoices, and proof of payment (receipts or statements)
3. Trip itinerary, booking confirmations, and airline or travel-provider correspondence
4. Cancellation documents, baggage reports, or police reports (if applicable)
5. Receipts for essential replacement items like clothing or toiletries while waiting for delayed baggage
health Insurance
Life and health insurance
Life insurance, critical illness, disability and personal health claims generally require forms and supporting documents specific to the insurance company.
Depending on the claim, you may be asked to provide:
1. Policy and claimant information – Your policy number, insured person details and claimant contact information so the insurer can locate coverage and open the file.
2. Medical reports or physician statements – Forms or notes from your doctor or specialist outlining your condition, diagnosis, treatment and impact on work or daily function.
3. Proof of diagnosis – Test results, lab work or hospital records confirming the medical condition (e.g., imaging or pathology reports).
4. Employment or income information – Pay stubs, employer letters or tax documents for disability or income-replacement claims.
5. Treatment receipts – Invoices or receipts for medications, procedures or therapies for eligible expense review.
6. Beneficiary identification – Government-issued ID to confirm identity and ensure proper payment.
7. A death certificate where applicable – Required for life insurance claims to confirm death details and begin the payout process.
Why Choose
What Happens After You Report a Claim?
01
Your Claim Is Opened
The insurance company creates a claim file and provides a claim number.
02
A Claims Representative Is Assigned
An adjuster or claims representative may contact you to review what happened and request supporting information.
03
Your Coverage Is Reviewed
The insurer reviews the incident based on your policy’s coverage, limits, deductibles, conditions and exclusions.
04
The Damage or Loss Is Assessed
The insurer may request photos, documents, estimates, medical information or an inspection.
05
The Next Steps Are Confirmed
From policy selection to claim filing, we’re with you every step, your dedicated insurance advocate.
Need Help With an Insurance Claim?
Begin Insurance can help you identify your insurer, locate the correct claims number and understand the initial reporting process.
For urgent or after-hours support, contact the emergency claims number shown on your insurance documents or find your insurer in the directory above.
Already Filed a Claim?
Your insurance company and assigned adjuster are responsible for claim-status updates, repair approvals, document requests and payments.
When following up, have these details ready:
1. Claim number
2. Policy number
3. Date of the incident
4. Adjuster’s name and contact information
5. Documents already submitted
6. Questions or outstanding items
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Insurance Questions
Should I Contact Begin Insurance or My Insurance Company?
You can contact Begin Insurance for help finding your insurer and understanding how to begin the reporting process. For urgent or after-hours assistance, contact the emergency claims number listed on your policy documents.
Can I Make Emergency Repairs?
You can take reasonable steps to protect people and prevent additional damage. Keep photos and receipts, and avoid permanent repairs until your insurer provides instructions unless the work is required for immediate safety.
How Does a Deductible Work?
A deductible is the portion of an eligible loss you may be responsible for paying. The amount and how it applies depend on your policy and the type of claim.
Will a Claim Affect My Premium?
A claim may affect future premiums or insurance eligibility depending on the circumstances, claims history, coverage and insurance company. The insurer determines renewal pricing.
How Long Will My Claim Take?
The timeline depends on the type and complexity of the claim, the damage involved, required documents, contractor availability and whether further investigation is needed.
