Mt. Hood Insurance, Inc.

We hope you never have a claim, but if you do, we are here to help. Although many companies have 24/7 claim centers, there are many advantages to calling our office first before you report your claim directly to the insurance company.

Our personal and commercial risk managers can advise you on the ramifications of filing your claim and explain how the claims process works - eliminating the frustrations, which usually arise from the unknown. Please remember we are here to answer your questions. We have provided useful information below that can help at the time of a claim, or hopefully help you before one strikes you. Please keep in mind that only your claims adjuster can determine fault or accept liability.

Vehicle Claims

If your auto accident involves injury to other persons or property, immediately contact your insurance company's Claim Center directly. Don't waste time calling us first! This is critical. Statistics show that the sooner a claim is reported, the sooner it is settled and for less money, frequently without involving you on the wrong end of a lawsuit!

If no other person or property is involved and there is only fairly minor damage to your vehicle, call us first. Oftentimes only a few minor claims can cause not only higher premiums, but run up a red flag when it comes to your policy renewal. This is not good! Check with us first.

If your car has been damaged in a hit-and-run or by an Uninsured Driver, you must file a police report within 72 hours or your claim may be denied. Most police agencies will not come out to you and may decline to take a report, but tell them it is required for your insurance in order to file a claim.

Property Claims

For home or other property losses, it works pretty much the same way. But, pay attention to your policy deductible. Again, small claims are very expensive for the company to process and will be considered when it comes time to renew your policy. Use insurance for what it was designed – to save you from financial disaster – not the convenience of having minor losses paid. Do yourself a favor. Expect to pay any losses under $1000 and take that amount as a deductible. You'll save on premium and help protect your renewals!

Workers Compensation Claims

All Workers Compensation claims need to be handled directly by the company. Please do not submit any work comp claim information to our office.

Tips For Filing Claims:

Take whatever steps are necessary to prevent further loss. Some people want to verify that insurance coverage exists before spending any money. Your policy contract actually states that if you do not protect the property from further loss or damage, that it may not pay for the damage at all. In most cases, if the claim is covered, you will be reimbursed for the extra expense by the company. Regardless if there is coverage or not, you need to protect your property from further damage or loss. If a pipe is leaking, call a plumber. If you have a leak in your roof, put a tarp over it. If your car is damaged and you have to leave it, remove all items of value. If a window is broken, cover it up. These simple steps can save thousands of dollars of damage, not to mention the inconvenience.

Take pictures of the damage whenever possible. Whether it be an auto accident, fire, burglary, storm damage or other loss, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. If you have a digital camera, that is best, we can email those photos instantly to the adjustors. If not, standard film works fine. We also recommend that everyone carry a disposable camera in the glove box of their car. In the event of an auto accident, take pictures. Take pictures of both cars. Take pictures showing how many people were involved. These photos can save the adjustors time in determining what actually happened and get your claim paid faster.

Most of our companies offer 24/7 claim service if immediate attention is needed. Below is a contact list for some of our companies. If you have a claim and your company is not listed below, please contact our office during our regular hours. We will be happy to discuss your situation.