No one enjoys filing an insurance claim, but it's something most of us will do at one time or another. This is when your insurance — the protection you have paid for — really goes to work for you.

It's also a time when Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy is working especially hard for you, helping you obtain a fair settlement as quickly and easily as possible. That means:

• Providing 24-hour emergency claim service, through both our regular number — 768-8888 — and toll-free number — 800-765-0488;
• Prompt, courteous and efficient handling of your claim;
• Keeping you informed of the settlement as it progresses;
• Answering your questions;
• Representing your best interests with all parties involved, including carriers and adjusters;
• Assisting you if you are involved in a third-party claim (injuries or damages for which you are being compensated by another party's insurance);
• A post-claim response card that asks you to evaluate our performance in handling your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Automobile

How soon will my vehicle be appraised?
As quickly as possible. Once we are notified of a claim, we will schedule an appraisal at your convenience.

What if I only have a windshield or auto glass claim?
Many insurance carriers have a network of local, authorized glass dealers. If your auto policy has full glass replacement, the glass dealer will bill the agency directly. If you do not have full glass replacement, we can suggest glass dealers for you to contact.

What happens if my vehicle is a total loss?
We will promptly determine its fair market value and pay the claim (less your deductible).

Will Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy or the insurance company find me a repair facility?
At your request, we can suggest some area repair facilities. In addition, insurance companies often have repair shop affiliations. However, you are free to choose the facility that performs repairs to your vehicle and are not required to use any of the suggested shops.

How will the payment be made?
It depends. If an affiliated repair shop makes the repairs, payment will go directly to the shop (less your deductible). If you choose the facility, you will receive the payment.

What should I do if the repair facility finds additional damage not shown on the estimate?
Contact Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy and we will notify the appraiser to re-inspect the vehicle at the repair shop.

Does my insurance pay for the cost of a rental vehicle if mine is in for collision repairs?
To begin with, you must have rental coverage on your policy for insurance to cover the cost of the rental. If your vehicle is in for collision repairs, simply go to any rental facility and rent a vehicle. You will be covered for the cost of the rental up to the limits of your policy.

Homeowners

What is my deductible?
It's the amount of the loss that you pay as indicated in your homeowners policy. It's a set dollar amount — $500, $750, $1,000, etc. — rather than a percentage of the overall loss. If you have questions about your deductible — or any matter related to your homeowners coverage — contact your Personal Account Manager at Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy.

When can I expect someone to come to my home to assess the damage?
We will arrange for an adjuster to visit your home at your convenience.

How long am I required to keep the damaged item(s)?
Keep the damaged item(s) until the adjuster visits your home or has told you that it is acceptable to discard.

Should I contact contractors for repair or rebuilding estimates?
Yes. You should provide one repair estimate to Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy.

Does my policy cover the cost of renting an apartment or staying at a hotel if I cannot live in my home after a loss?
It should. Most homeowners policies allow for additional living expenses — such as renting an apartment or staying at a hotel — up to the limits spelled out in the policy and depending on the loss. In addition, if you do need to relocate it's important to keep the receipts from all of the expenses you incur.

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