Filing a claim for the first time is disorienting mostly because nobody explains the sequence in advance. Here's the version we tell every new IronHaven client.
Step 1: First Notice of Loss
A call to your agent or the claims line, ideally within 24-48 hours of the event. You'll describe what happened, when, and the rough scope of damage or injury involved.
Step 2: Adjuster Assignment
An adjuster reviews your policy and either schedules an inspection (for property claims) or requests documentation (for auto or liability claims). For active emergencies, adjusters can often be dispatched same-day.
Step 3: Damage Assessment
The adjuster confirms what's covered under your specific policy terms and provides an estimate. This is the stage where having an agent who can explain your policy's exclusions in plain language matters most.
Step 4: Payout
Payment arrives as a single settlement or in stages for larger claims requiring ongoing repair work. Most straightforward claims resolve within two to three weeks; complex property claims can take longer.
