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 adjuster@grinnellmutual.com.
How to report a claim Email our claims team Call our Claims Call Center
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 and watch a video to learn how 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.
Login to Manage My Account
Are there other ways to report a claim?
There are three ways to report your claim (known as “first notice of loss” in insurance lingo).
- Manage My Account
- Phone, 877-467-2252
- 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.)
When you report your auto claim directly to us, we will ask a series of specific questions, allowing us to identify early on whether your vehicle is repairable or a total loss. This streamlines the process by allowing us to assign it to the appropriate adjuster from the outset.
Should I send pictures?
Pictures can help expedite the process. You can upload pictures when you submit your claim with Manage My Account. Your adjuster can also share an Easy Estimate link for you to send photos.
If you call directly to report your claim, our call center staff will guide you through this process.
When can I file my claim?
You can file your claim directly with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Manage My Account or by calling 877-467-2252.
My vehicle was damaged in an accident. How should I proceed?
Our goal is to restore your vehicle to a pre-loss condition as soon as possible. Using Easy Estimate, our staff can prepare an estimate based on photos of your vehicle.
Our team can work directly with a repair shop to get the estimate electronically. You can also share it when you report your claim with Manage My Account or email 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.
If your vehicle is repairable, and the shop of your choice has Internet access, we can work directly with them to get an estimate, another way of saving you the inconvenience of shopping around for estimates.
Read more about getting an estimate for your auto claim
My adjuster determined that my vehicle was repairable. What happens next?
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. On a personal auto 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.
Access Manage My Account Learn about Manage My Account
What is the Grinnell Mutual Mile Marker Auto Loyalty Program and what does it offer?
I was in an accident and my vehicle needed to be towed. Is this a covered expense?
This tow is a covered loss if you have the appropriate collision or other than collision (OTC) coverage for your loss.
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.
Access Manage My Account Email your adjuster
I have a question about my policy.