Our claims team is different. They often are involved in ministry, volunteer with their church, and serve on boards. Rest assured when you call, the claims member on the other end walks in step with you. They are experienced and ready to serve your ministry throughout the claims process.
Policyholders are encouraged to check with their Brotherhood Mutual agent with questions on coverage for potential claims. If you submit a claim, an adjuster will be able to investigate the facts of the loss and determine coverage based on your policy language.
Every claim is unique, and the length of time it takes to resolve each one will depend primarily on the surrounding circumstances. Quickly providing requested information to your claims representative will help to expedite the process.
It is the portion of a loss that must be paid by the insured party before the insurance company starts paying for the costs of the loss. For example, if you have a covered loss of $4,000 and your policy carries a $1,000 deductible, you’ll pay the first $1,000 and we’ll pay the remaining amount up to the policy limits.
Please do not wait. Contact us immediately when a loss occurs. Even if very little information is known, we’re here to help collect the information that’s needed as we work on your claim. The sooner we learn about your loss, the quicker we can begin to help your ministry recover from it.
Take steps necessary to prevent further damage, such as turning off the main water supply if a pipe is leaking. Notify your agent as soon as possible. If the loss occurs over a weekend, report the claim early Monday morning or call the claims department at 800-333-3371 and leave a message. Write down a detailed description of what happened, take photos/video of the damage, and include information about the extent of damage. If you need emergency assistance after office hours, please contact our after hours emergency claim line at800-933-1849.
In the event of a water damage claim, Brotherhood Mutual has developed a relationship with ServiceMaster Restore® to bring rapid response times and skilled professionals to your aid. Call ServiceMaster Central Hub at 800-737-7663. They are available 24/7/365.
If your claim requires immediate attention, contact your agent or Brotherhood Mutual directly by calling our toll-free claims line at 800-333-3371. Claims representatives are available at Brotherhood Mutual:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EDT.
After hours: If your claim requires immediate attention after hours, call 800-933-1849.
In the event of a water damage claim, Brotherhood Mutual has developed a relationship with ServiceMaster Restore® to bring rapid response times and skilled professionals to your aid. Call ServiceMaster Central Hub at 800-737-7663. They are available 24/7/365.
You should contact the police in cases where the law has been violated, such as theft, burglary, vandalism, auto accidents, or suspected arson.
We’ll assign your claim to an adjuster who will follow up to answer questions and collect any additional information that’s needed, generally within one business day.
Generally, two repair estimates by qualified contractors will be required when your building is damaged.
If your personal property is affected, you’ll need to submit a complete list of damaged items. Your adjuster will also need to verify the value of the damaged items, so the more information you provide (e.g., original invoices, specific brand and model information), the faster we can process your claim.
This is where a documented property inventory becomes invaluable. Of course, purchase receipts are ideal, but if those are not available, other items that prove ownership can include owner’s manuals, product packaging, appraisals, titles of ownership, and photographs or videos that show the items in your facility. Be sure to ask your Brotherhood Mutual agent if you have questions about how to prove ownership of stolen property.
For more serious losses, you’ll need an on-site inspection by an adjuster that our team will assign to help establish the full extent of your damages and give you firsthand guidance to settle your claim.
A liability claim is a demand for money to compensate someone for injuries or damages. It is sometimes received in the form of a lawsuit or letter of representation from an attorney. A liability claim is made against a person or organization whose acts allegedly caused injury to another person or damage to another person’s property. The person or organization is alleged to be negligent, and therefore responsible for injuries or damages.
Just because someone is injured on your premises or at one of your sponsored activities doesn’t mean you’re negligent and legally liable for the injuries.
Contact your agent immediately if there is an accident or if you become aware of anything that indicates there might be a claim. You can care for the individual affected, but don’t acknowledge or deny responsibility when an accident occurs. Avoid making statements such as, “We’ll take care of everything.” Instead, say, “We will check with our insurance company to see what help might be available for you.” If a person is injured, administer first aid or emergency care. Your policy may provide reimbursement for this type of care before liability is determined. Check with your agent.
See that appropriate medical care is provided immediately. Gather details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and collect contact information for any witnesses that may have been present. Keep a record of the information so you can assist in our investigation. Remember, it is not necessary to make comments regarding responsibility for the incident. Notify your agent immediately, even if you don’t have all the information needed.
Yes. Even if you aren’t sure, it’s always a good idea to report a claim promptly. In some cases, events that start out as minor accidents can quickly turn into much more when additional injuries or damages are reported at a later time. Your Brotherhood Mutual agent is available to talk things over any time you have questions.
The lawyer for the person filing the lawsuit (“plaintiff”) will give your ministry two documents: the complaint (a description of the lawsuit) and the summons (a request for your response). Generally, you have 20-30 days to file an answer depending on your state requirements.
Because of this time requirement, it is imperative that you provide the lawsuit to your agent or a Brotherhood Mutual representative immediately. Covered lawsuits will be given to our attorneys to file an answer on your behalf and begin the defense of your ministry.
If you fail to notify your agent or a Brotherhood Mutual representative and an answer isn’t filed within the time limit, the plaintiff may obtain a default judgment. When a court enters a default judgment, it means that the plaintiff wins by default, and the defendant (the person against whom the lawsuit was filed) usually has little opportunity to defend its actions at that point, even if it did nothing to cause the alleged injuries or damages.
Contact us or your Brotherhood Mutual agent immediately if you receive a complaint or summons. Generally, you have 20-30 days to file an answer depending on your state requirements. Because of this time requirement, it is imperative that you provide the lawsuit to your agent or a Brotherhood Mutual representative immediately. Covered lawsuits will be given to our attorneys to file an answer on your behalf and begin the defense of your ministry.
To report a claim for a travel-related medical or trip incident, contact our Faith Ventures mission travel team at 888-674-4074.
Workers' compensation is insurance that provides for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with injuries to employees as a direct result of performing their jobs. Employers pay for this insurance.
Requirements vary by state, number of employees, and type of industry. It’s important to research individual states’ laws since violations can carry prohibitive fines and penalties, lawsuits, or criminal charges.
Carrying workers' compensation, even if your ministry is not required, makes good financial sense. Without it, a ministry increases its liability for an injured employee's medical bills and lost wages plus expenses associated with legal action—all of which become out-of-pocket costs.
It’s one thing to have the right coverage when something goes wrong, it’s another to have support from a provider that’s committed to helping you avoid incidents altogether.
