Unfortunately, try as we might to avoid it, the unthinkable can still happen. If and when it does, that’s what your insurance policy is here for—to help protect you from financial ruin. 

In the event that some sort of damage occurs, whether to your vehicle or your home, you’ll need to file a claim. While the process differs from insurance company to insurance company, here’s the lifecycle of such claims with Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Co. 

 

Auto Claims 

Always exchange insurance information after a car accident if any other drivers were involved. Once you’ve done that, report your claim as soon as possible. To help expedite the process, provide detailed and complete information when you call our Claims Department. 

 

When reporting an auto claim, you’ll need: 

• your policy number and car information;  
• your own contact information and best times to call;  
• insurance and contact information of all other parties involved, including driver, passenger(s) and witness(es);  
• a full description of the accident;  
• the name and badge ID of the investigating police officer; 
• photos, if possible—not just close-ups of the damage, but perspective shots that show the accident in context; and 
• repair shop information and/or rental car information. 

What happens after an auto claim is filed? 

• A claims representative will contact you—a representative will contact you as soon as possible to walk you through the next steps and set up an appraisal to assess the damage. 
• If liability is in question, a field claims representative will contact you—a representative will handle the liability investigation and any injury claims, talk to any other insurance companies—or attorneys—involved and handle damage payments. As the insured, you’re under no obligation to describe a collision to anyone except police and your own insurance company. 
• Your car will be appraised for damage—this typically happens within a week of filing your claim and Farm Bureau offers various avenues to have damage assessed. After this estimate is prepared, you can take your car to your preferred shop. If you’re covered for a rental car, Farm Bureau will help you with that process. 

 

Home Claims 

Filing a home claim is similar to an auto claim – it should be reported to your local Farm Bureau as soon as possible and it’s important to have all pertinent information on hand. 

 

When reporting a home claim, you’ll need: 

• your policy number; 
• your contact information and best times to call; 
• insurance and contact information of all other parties involved, including anyone who was injured on the damaged property or any other damaged property owner(s); 
• a full description of the damage; 
• photos, if possible—not just close-ups of the damage, but perspective shots that show the accident in context; and 
• an assessment of whether you can safely stay in your home without altering the condition of the damage until the home can be inspected. 

What happens after a home claim is filed? 

• A claims representative will contact you—a representative will contact you as soon as possible to walk you through the next steps and set up an appraisal to assess the damage. 
• If someone was injured or someone else’s property was damaged, a field claims representative will contact you—a representative will handle the liability investigation and any injury claims. 
• Your home will be appraised for damage—this typically happens within a week of filing your claim. If you cannot live in your home due to the damage, the claims representative will make arrangements for temporary living accommodations. 

Other items to keep in mind after filing a home claim: 

• You may be entitled to use your own contractor, but do not authorize repairs until the insurance company can inspect or approve the repairs.  
• Protect your property to prevent further damage and retain receipts of expenses you incur to protect the property. 
• If someone is injured or damaged by something or someone on your property, do not immediately admit fault. Photograph the area or condition where the injury or damage occurred. 

 

Important claims contact information: 

• To start a claim with Farm Bureau, call 800-452-7714, available 24/7. 
• Have a claims question or aren’t sure whether you should file? Call 800-447-8323 or email contactclaims@vafb.com.  
• All claims information is available at vafb.com/claims. 
• For any other questions, contact your local agent.