Had a loss? Here is exactly what to do.
A claim is a stressful moment, and the first hours matter. This page walks you through the immediate steps, how to protect yourself, and how we help. If you would rather talk to a person, we are here.
Eugene, OR: (541) 681-8793 · Whittier, CA: (562) 758-1200
If anyone is hurt or in danger, or there is fire, a gas leak, or another active hazard, call 911 before anything else. Insurance can wait. Once everyone is safe, come back to the steps below.
Five steps, in order.
Do these in sequence. The first two protect people and limit the damage; the rest set up a clean, well-documented claim.
Get people safe first
If anyone is hurt or in danger, or there is fire, gas, or an active hazard, call 911 before anything else. Your safety comes before any insurance step.
Stop the damage from getting worse
Make reasonable temporary or emergency repairs to prevent further loss, such as tarping a roof, shutting off water, or boarding a broken window. Keep every receipt. Do not make permanent repairs yet.
Document everything
Photograph and video the damage before you move or clean up anything. Write down what happened, when, and who was involved. Save damaged items until told otherwise.
Report the claim
Serious or time-sensitive losses should be reported to the carrier promptly. You can report directly to the carrier using their 24/7 claims line, or contact us and we will help you report and walk you through next steps.
Tell us, so we can advocate for you
Even if you report directly to the carrier, let us know. We help you understand the process, keep things moving, and stay in your corner through the adjustment.
Your carrier first, or us first?
Either path is fine, and either way you should let us know. Here is the quick rule of thumb.
Call your carrier directly when
- It is after hours and the loss is urgent (active water, storm, fire aftermath, a wreck on the road).
- You have an auto accident, roadside event, or glass claim with a 24/7 carrier hotline.
- A catastrophe (wildfire, windstorm, freeze) means every hour counts and the carrier has a dedicated event line.
- You already know your carrier and policy number and just need to open the claim quickly.
Most carriers run a 24/7 claims line. Find your carrier’s claims and roadside numbers in our Carrier Directory.
Contact us first when
- You are not sure whether to file a claim at all, or how it might affect your policy.
- The loss involves a possible lawsuit, injury to another person, or a liability question.
- It is a commercial or complex claim where how it is reported matters.
- You want help understanding coverage, deductibles, or the steps before you open a claim.
Reach us at the Service Center, or call Eugene (541) 681-8793 or Whittier (562) 758-1200.
Document the damage.
Good documentation is the single best thing you can do to help your own claim. Capture it before you clean up or repair.
- Photos and video of all damage, taken before cleanup or repairs.
- A written description of what happened, with the date and time.
- A list of damaged or lost items, with approximate age and value.
- Receipts, invoices, or proof of ownership where you have them.
- Receipts for any emergency or temporary repairs you make.
- Any police, fire, or incident report number.
- Names and contact information for anyone involved or any witnesses.
Do not make permanent repairs until the carrier has had a chance to inspect the damage — permanent fixes can remove the proof an adjuster needs. The one exception is repairs necessary to prevent further damage, such as tarping a roof, stopping a water leak, or boarding a broken window. Make those, keep the receipts, and photograph the damage first.
After hours, and after you report.
After hours. Our offices are open Monday through Friday, roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. If a loss happens at night or on a weekend and it is urgent, report it directly to your carrier’s 24/7 claims line so the clock starts; you can find those numbers in the Carrier Directory. Then send us a note through the Service Center and we will pick it up the next business day. If it can wait until business hours, reach out and a real person will help you.
After you report. The carrier assigns a claim number and usually an adjuster, who contacts you to review the loss and may inspect the damage. The carrier decides coverage under the terms of your policy. We stay involved to help you understand each step, keep things moving, and answer questions along the way.
What reporting a claim does, and does not, do.
Reporting a claim starts the process. It does not guarantee that the loss is covered or that a payment will be made. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance carrier, based on the terms, limits, deductibles, and exclusions of your actual policy and the facts of the loss. Nothing on this page changes, adds, or confirms coverage.
What we do is stand in your corner: help you report cleanly, explain what the carrier needs, and stay with you through the adjustment. If you are unsure whether to file at all, talk to us first and we will help you think it through.
Claims questions.
Does reporting a claim mean it will be covered?
Should I call my carrier or Vantage Point Risk first?
Can I start making repairs right away?
What happens after I report a claim?
What if I get a claim wrong or forget something?
Will filing a claim raise my rates?
Not sure what to do next? Talk to a person.
Tell us what happened and we will help you report it, document it, and understand what comes next. Coverage is decided by your carrier, but you do not have to navigate it alone.