Frequently Asked Questions
Almost no one wakes up thinking, “Today is a great day to file an insurance claim.” But if you do have a loss — no matter what day it is — you will indeed need to file a claim. Here’s some info to help you through it.
Other questions? Email our claims team directly at claims@grinnellmutual.com.
What is the claims process? What can I expect?
When you file your claim, it will be assigned to a Grinnell Mutual claims adjuster. Your adjuster will call you to confirm the details you reported and then identify the next steps to processing your claim as quickly as possible. They may request your assistance in gathering necessary photos and documentation.
Should I submit my claim to my agent or directly to Grinnell Mutual?
If you submit your claim directly to us, you will receive your claim information (claim number, adjuster, etc.) directly from Grinnell Mutual. Your claim will move through the process faster if you submit your claim through the Claims Call Center at 877-467-2252, or through your Manage My Account portal. (Not signed up for Manage My Account? Click here to get started!)
If your agent submits the claim on your behalf, we will send your claim information to your agent and you will need to contact your agent for your claim number.
No matter how you file your claim, you’ll be able to check its status in Manage My Account.
Are there other ways to report a claim?
There are four ways to report your claim (known as “first notice of loss” in insurance lingo).
- Manage My Account
- Phone, 877-467-2252
- Email claims@grinnellmutual.com. You’ll receive a response from an adjuster.
- Your agent
What information do I need to file my claim?
When you report your claim, please include the following:
- Your contact information: name, phone, email, address.
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Who was involved?
- Were there any injuries?
- What property was damaged? (e.g., vehicles, buildings, etc.)
Should I send pictures?
Pictures can help expedite the process. You can upload pictures with Manage My Account. You can also email them to adjuster@grinnellmutual.com. When you email, please include your claim number — this will help us process your claim more efficiently.
If you call directly to report your claim, our call center staff will guide you through this process.
When can I file my claim?
My vehicle was damaged in an accident. When should I get a repair estimate?
Our goal is to restore your vehicle to a pre-loss condition as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damages, our staff can prepare an estimate based on photos of your vehicle.
If you prefer to get an estimate from a local shop, you don’t need to wait for your adjuster to ask you to get one. You can share the estimate with your adjuster by uploading it to your claim with Manage My Account or by emailing it to your adjuster at adjuster@grinnellmutual.com. If you email, please include your claim number.
Can I take my vehicle anywhere to get an estimate?
Yes. We trust that you know which auto repair shop is best for you and your vehicle. But we’re happy to give you an estimate based on photos; you can still take your vehicle in for repairs to the shop of your choice.
My adjuster determined that my vehicle was repairable. What happens next?
You will receive a check for the damages.
If your repair shop discovers additional damages related to your claim, we will work directly with the shop to deal with extra costs.
My adjuster determined that my vehicle could not be repaired. What happens next?
Your adjuster will go through the settlement process with you. You and your adjuster will agree on your vehicle’s value.
I need to rent a vehicle while my vehicle is being repaired. Is this a covered expense?
It depends on your policy. Rental is a standard coverage if you carry comprehensive/collision coverage. Check your policy’s Declarations page (also known as a Dec page) to see if you’re covered.
The Dec page is the first page of your policy. You can also view it in Manage My Account.
What is the Grinnell Mutual Mile Marker Auto Loyalty Program and what does it offer?
The Grinnell Mutual Mile Marker Auto Loyalty Program is available to policyholders who have had their personal auto policies with us for at least five years and meet other underwriting guidelines.
Tows are automatically included in your coverage if you are in an accident.
Mile Marker provides reimbursement to eligible policyholders for towing needed for reasons other than an accident (dead battery, out of gas, etc.) if the vehicle is listed on your Dec page with Liability and Other than Collision Coverage. Mile Marker will cover up to $50 per tow, limited to two claims per six-month policy term and four claims per 12-month policy term. If you don’t qualify for Mile Marker, you can purchase extra coverage to include towing.
I was in an accident and my vehicle needed to be towed. Is this a covered expense?
This tow is a covered loss as part of your claim.
My home/property was damaged in a storm. When should I get a repair estimate?
Our goal is to restore your home to pre-loss condition as soon as possible. You may get an estimate from a local contractor for repairs; you don’t need to wait for your adjuster to ask you to get one. You can share the estimate with your adjuster by uploading it to Manage My Account or by emailing it to your adjuster at adjuster@grinnellmutual.com. If you email, please include your claim number.
I have a question about my policy.