Claim Information and Tips
Important Information in the Case of an Automobile Accident:
If you get into an automobile accident, please obtain the following information from the other driver. The Niagara Regional Police are no longer providing accident information sheets.
Click here for a printable copy of the Accident Information Form.

Name and Address of the other Driver and Vehicle Owner
Telephone Number
Driver’s Licence Number
Year, Make and Model of other vehicle
Insurance Company and Policy Number of Other Vehicle
Agent/Broker Name

**Ask to see a Liability Certificate (pink slip) and Ownership for this information**
By getting this information at the scene, it could speed up the processing of your claim by as much as one month. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

If you need to report a claim, the first thing to do would be to contact your agent or broker. Policyholders can call their agent or broker to report a weekend or after hours claim which needs prompt assistance. They may also call our 24 Hour Claims Service at 905-892-0606 or 1-800-263-0494. This is a toll free service that was introduced to give you reassurance that we really care about what’s important to you and your family.
Updating your insurance with your Agent or Broker on a regular basis will ensure that you are covered favorably and will therefore make any possible losses, less of a burden on you. Insurance is purchased mostly for security on your assets and financial peace of mind. Bertie and Clinton Mutual Insurance is well known for performing excellent claims service that is always prompt and fair.

Proving your Loss
Tips to Follow:

Have a list of all the valuables that belong to you.

In this list it's a good idea to attach pictures, serial #'s and model numbers, brand and model names, and the purchase receipts.

Recording your property and assets on to a video tape is an excellent idea.

Be sure to keep these documents in a fireproof safe.

By taking these actions you will ensure that you have a way to prove your loss. You will also assist your Insurance Adjuster when he/she goes over your claim.

What should you do in the event of an Automobile Loss?

Call 911 for police

Remain at the scene and do not move your vehicle from scene until the police arrive

Request to see liability slip and ownership from the other driver and obtain the following information:

Name, address, telephone number, type of vehicle, driver's license number, plate number, name of insurance company, agent/broker's name and policy number.

If accident occurs out of town - take the name and telephone number of the towing facility and remove your personal belongings.

Obtain police information sheet from Officer which provides you with the accident report number etc.

If there are witnesses(s) obtain his/her name(s) and phone numbers

Contact your agent or broker or our head office to report the accident.

Click here to print an Accident Information form. Please keep this form handy in the glove box of your vehicle along with a pen and a disposable camera. Filling out this form will help you with the required reports during the claims process.

What should you do in the event of a Property Loss?
If you feel that your insurance policy should cover your loss please follow the steps listed below.

If you feel that the loss was related to a criminal act please contact the Police.

Contact your Agent or Broker or our Head Office as soon as you can, and a Claims Adjuster will contact you.

Please wait for instructions from a Claims Adjuster before any action on your part is taken. Don't discard damaged items until the adjuster has seen them firstp>.

Common Claims Questions

Should I report a claim?
Have you experienced property damage or another loss of some sort and wondered whether it would be covered by your insurance policy or if it is covered, whether or not you should submit the claim? Here are few simple guidelines to follow if you are in doubt.

Read your policy declaration page and the applicable insurance wordings and your policy booklet. These documents will describe what is covered under your insurance policy, detail any special conditions of the coverage, list any policy exclusions and indicate your policy deductible. Your agent or broker can assist you in determining if you have insurancecoverage for your loss.
Consider the amount of the loss - Does the loss exceed the deductible? If the loss does not exceed the deductible, then it is best not to report the claim. Is the total loss minus your insurance deductible worth losing your claims free discount for a period of three years? Many of our policyholders enjoy a claims free discount and if you put in a claim, regardless of the amount of the claim then you are no longer claims free and your discount could be removed - claims free discounts range from 5 to 10%.
Consider prior claims - Underwriters review policyholders with claims prior to the completion of their renewal. If you have had recent claims, then your insurance coverage could be reduced, changed, or removed or your insurance deductible may be increased. In extreme cases eg. (claim frequency,negligence or fraud) the underwriters may choose not to renew the insurance policy.

How do I report a claim?

Contact your insurance agent or broker to tell them what has occurred. Your agent or broker will help you to decide whether to report the incident as a claim and they will then report the details of the claim to our company on your behalf.

If an emergency claim situation occurs outside of regular office hours(or on weekends) and you are unable to reach your agent or broker, you can report the claim by calling our office directly at 905-892-0606 or 1-800-263-0494.

Bertie and Clinton
1789 Merrittville Hwy., R.R. #2
Welland, Ontario Canada L3B 5N5
Tel: (905) 892-0606 Toll Free: (800) 263-0494 Fax: (905) 892-0365
E-mail: info@bertieandclinton.com