The decision to purchase insurance coverage takes a lot of the worry out of protecting your ministry. Take a moment to think of your ministry without insurance protection. Would you take your Pathfinder club on a camping trip without coverage? What happens if there is an auto accident, or a Pathfinder falls while hiking and breaks their leg? Would you drive your students to the local museum in an uninsured school bus? Would you build a new church, but not insure the building knowing you could lose it all in a fire or tornado?
The reality is that insurance is an important part of our daily lives, providing a hedge against financial ruin. While many enjoy the peace of mind of having insurance, some experience an underlying fear when it comes to filing a claim. One of the major fear factors is not knowing the “when, what, how and why” of filing a claim. Let’s alleviate some of the fears by understanding the basics of claims reporting.When Do I File a Claim?
All claims—including auto, property, liability or death—should be filed immediately after the loss, even with limited information. If your organization experiences a loss and you’re not sure whether it is covered, err on the side of caution and submit your claim anyway. Your Adventist Risk Management Inc. (ARM) Claims Examiner is here to help you through this process. While every claim is reviewed independently and based on the specific insurance policies purchased, prompt and timely reporting helps you avoid the possibility of your claim being denied.How Do I File A Claim?
Our website, Adventistrisk.org, is your first and best resource for information and fast facts in filing your claim with ARM. Don’t hesitate to contact the ARM Claims Department if your claim requires immediate attention. You can reach us by calling 1-888-951-4276, option 2. This connects you with Claims Personnel who will provide prompt assistance. Your ARM Account Executive, local conference, or institution may also help as needed in the process.Complete the appropriate claim form and email it to claims@adventistrisk.org. If you are unsure which form to use, call us, and we will direct you to the correct form. If you sustain an injury, become ill, or if an employee, member, or volunteer experiences death, submit the appropriate claim form and notify your conference or institution. Be sure to seek medical attention when needed.
For property claims, take reasonable steps to prevent potential safety risks and further damage. If theft is the cause of the loss, notify the police immediately and file a report.
What Information Is Needed to File a Claim?
- Providing adequate documentation of your loss accelerates the claims examination process. Documents should include your claim form and pertinent back up based on the type of claim you are filing. Medical claims should include any bills or receipts. Auto claims should include photos of the damage and the accident scene, etc
- For medical claims, obtain copies of medical bills and medical reports.
- For property claims, keep accurate records of what you spend making repairs to prevent further damage.
- Take photos and keep an inventory list of items that may require cleaning or repair.
- Check with your Claims Examiner before discarding any items you plan to claim as damaged.
- For auto claims, first file your claim promptly. The claims personnel will arrange for an estimate to be obtained. Then, if pertinent, contact law enforcement for a police report.
If Anyone Is Injured:
- Call 911 for medical assistance and/or file a police report, whichever is appropriate.
- Obtain names and addresses of injured parties and any witnesses.
- Don't make voluntary payments, obligations, or expenses outside of emergency first aid.
When Someone Files a Claim Against You:
These types of claims are time-sensitive. Report your claim immediately to ARM. Your ARM Account Executive, local conference, or institution may also help as needed with the process.Why Should I File A Claim?
There are several reasons you should file your claim.
- The ARM team of professionals can assist you with your loss. If you are unsure about what is needed to file the claim, or unsure of insurance coverage, the ARM team will help you learn and understand what steps you should take next.
- Early reporting helps minimize the overall financial impact of losses. Waiting to file a claim is proven in the insurance industry to increase the cost of a claim. One of the best ways you can partner with your insurance company is to report claims quickly.
- Reporting a claim allows your church’s risk management company to be aware of the types of incidents taking place in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. By studying these trends, we can provide counsel and resources for the church to meet these challenges.
Rest assured that you are protected by a professional team and a caring insurance organization with more than 80 years of experience serving the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We understand that you have invested with ARM to protect your property, vehicles, and even lives. We do everything we can to earn your trust in providing honest and fair claims handling with a thorough policy review for ways to cover your claim. We are continuously improving by offering coverages tailored to your specific needs, streamlining processes, and technological innovations.
The next time you experience the fear factor in filing a claim, pick up the phone and call us at 1-888-951-4276, option 2. We are here to provide the assurance and guidance you need during your time of loss.
For more information, visit ARM’s Claims Frequently Asked Questions page.
