Business insurance claims
Call us to open your file and start the claims process. We're here 24/7 to guide you every step of the way.
Property and liability insurance claim
Damage to commercial building or property
Has there been a loss such as fire, theft or water damage at your business? File a claim for your business's property or building.
What to do in the event of a loss
Water damage
- Soak up as much water as possible within 24 hours and move all dry goods and merchandise to a safe place.
- Call us before contacting a cleaning service after the incident. Depending on your coverage, we may suggest one of our recommended service providers.
- Keep any items that caused the damage until otherwise instructed by your claims advisor. Take pictures of any damaged goods you have to throw out.
Theft or vandalism
- Call the police as soon as you discover a break-in, theft or vandalism.
- Secure the premises to avoid further damage.
Fire
- Before contacting us, make sure the fire department has the situation under control.
Regardless of the damage, don't get a company to do any repairs before contacting us.
Steps in the claims process
1. Opening your claim
Call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. and have your insurance policy number on hand to open your file.
Expect the call to take at least 30 minutes.
During the call:
- We take your full statement on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- We can suggest a recommended service provider Link redirects to another Desjardins site. if emergency repairs are necessary.
- We give you your claim number.
Then, we assign your request to a claims advisor who'll check your coverage and help you throughout the process.
2. Assessing the damage
If the building is damaged, the service provider selected draws up a detailed estimate of the work to be done and submits it along with pictures of the damage. Your claims advisor tells you which documents to submit, such as:
- A list of all damaged or destroyed goods and merchandise
- Proof of ownership such as receipts, photos, user manuals, warranties, original packaging or bank and credit card statements
- The estimated cost of replacing or repairing damaged goods and merchandise
3. Repairing the damages
In the event of damages to the building:
- We analyze your claim as soon as we receive the damage estimate.
- Then, we contact you to authorize the start of repairs, in accordance with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
In the event of damages to goods:
- We analyze your claim once we receive the required documents.
- Then, we contact you to arrange the settlement, in accordance with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
4. Payment
In the event of damages to the building:
- If you used a recommended service provider, we reimburse them directly or we send you a cheque so you can pay the selected service provider who makes the repairs.
- If you worked with another service provider or did the repairs yourself, we reimburse you for the insured work upon receipt of an invoice.
- We also confirm the amount of your deductible and who to pay it to.
In the event of damages to goods:
- We make the payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy and confirm the amount of your deductible.
We close your claim once all the payments have been made and we've received all the required documents.
Has your business experienced loss of income due to a loss?
You can file a claim for your business's additional expenses to ensure the continuity of operations or loss of income during the interruption of its activities caused by a covered incident.
Your claims advisor will tell you which documents to submit to determine the amount of the loss and additional expenses incurred. Once we've received these documents, we analyze your claim and propose a settlement.
We then pay the settlement amount in accordance with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
Incident involving the civil liability of your business
Your business has accidentally injured someone or damaged their property? File a claim for an incident involving the civil liability of your business.
What to do in the event of a loss
- Get the contact information of the person who was injured or had their property damaged.
- Get the names and contact information of witnesses, if there are any.
- Call the police if necessary.
- Take pictures of the incident scene and any damage.
- Throughout the claims process, avoid taking fault and do not make a deal with the person whose property was damaged, as your claim could be refused.
Steps in the claims process
1. Opening your claim
Call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. and have your insurance policy number on hand to open your file.
During the call:
- We take your statement on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- We give you your claim number.
Then, we assign your request to a claims advisor who'll check your coverage and help you throughout the process.
2. Determining fault
We contact any relevant parties to help us analyze the claim, including:
- People who were injured or had their property damaged
- Witnesses
- The police, if applicable
- The insurance company of the person who was injured or had their property damaged
You have to send us all relevant documents:
- Pictures
- Formal notice or claim letter, if applicable
- Estimate, invoice or any other supporting documents relating to the damages, losses or injuries
3. Settlement
If your company is being sued for damages covered by your insurance policy, we can negotiate a settlement with the claimant or cover your defence cost.
4. Payment
Depending on the case, we send the settlement amount to the person who suffered damages or to the people we selected to defend you. You still have to pay the deductible, if applicable. We let you know once the payment is made.
Damage from a cyber incident
Your business is the victim of a data breach or cyberattack? We're here to help you through the cyber risk insurance claims process.
Call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. to open your file. Expect the call to take at least 30 minutes.
Commercial vehicle insurance claims
File a claim for your commercial vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, vandalism or for another loss.
What to do in the event of a loss
Broken glass
If you have a chipped or cracked windshield or window, you don't need to contact us.
- Make an appointment with one of our recommended auto glass repair shops This link redirects to another Desjardins site..
- Show them your proof of commercial vehicle insurance. They'll contact us, and we'll take care of the payment.
If you're just getting a small crack repaired, you won't have to pay a deductible. But if you're getting an entire window or windshield replaced, you might have to pay one. Because chips and cracks can get worse quickly, it's best to get them fixed as soon as you notice them.
Fire, theft or vandalism
Your vehicle has been stolen, vandalized or damaged by fire? If goods and merchandise in your commercial vehicle were also stolen or damaged, you have to submit 2 claims:
- One with your commercial vehicle insurance
- One with your property and liability insurance
Collision
- Fill out the accident report with the people involved.
- Gather any other relevant information, like the contact information of the other driver, witnesses or the towing company, photos, description and location of the incident, and receipts for damaged goods or merchandise.
- Ask for the police report number, if there is one.
Steps in the claims process
1. Opening your claim
Call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. and have your insurance policy number on hand to open your file.
Expect the call to take at least 30 minutes.
During the call:
- We take your full statement on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- We gather information from the accident report, if applicable.
- We suggest one of our recommended repair shops This link redirects to another Desjardins site..
- We give you your claim number.
Then, we assign your request to a claims advisor who'll check your coverage and help you throughout the process.
2. Determining fault
We may contact any relevant parties to help us analyze the claim, including:
- People who were injured or had their property damaged
- Witnesses (other than those in the vehicles)
- Police and fire department, if involved
- Insurance company of the other driver
We determine fault using the fault determination rules applicable in the province of your accident.
3. Assessing and repairing damage
One of our recommended repair shops or another repair shop can conduct the damage assessment. This assessment determines:
- Whether your vehicle can be repaired or not
- How long the repairs should take
If the repairs cost more than your vehicle is worth, your vehicle is declared a total loss and isn't repaired.
Benefits of using one of our recommended repair shops
- The shop has passed our extensive screening process.
- Repairs are under lifetime warranty in accordance with the terms and conditions of our recommended repair shops.
- The shop communicates with us directly throughout the process.
If you have a heavy vehicle, your claims expert can recommend a repair shop that specializes in that type of vehicle.
4. Payment
With a recommended repair shop:
- If you have a deductible, you pay it at the shop when you pick up your vehicle.
- We pay the rest of the repair costs covered by your policy.
With another repair shop:
- If you have a deductible, you pay it at the shop when you pick up your vehicle.
- For the remaining repair costs covered by your policy, we send you a cheque that must be endorsed by all beneficiaries before being given to the shop.
Total loss or theft:
- The claims advisor lets you know the benefits provided by your insurance policy and the terms and conditions of payment.
- Once we receive all the documents we need to process your claim, we send a payment.
- If you have a deductible to pay, that amount is taken from the payment.
FAQ
How can I track the status of my claim?
To check your claim status, contact your claims advisor or call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. If possible, have your file number on hand.
How long does it take to process an insurance claim?
Claim processing time depends on the severity, complexity and circumstances of the claim. You can speed things up by providing the necessary documents as quickly as possible.
Does my insurance cover a courtesy vehicle while mine is in the shop?
It depends on what coverage you have. Call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app. to look at your commercial vehicle insurance.
Can I fix or cancel a claim if I made a mistake when filing?
Yes, you can fix or cancel your claim. Contact your claims advisor or call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app..
How do claims impact my premium?
Any claim can impact your property and liability or commercial vehicle insurance premium at renewal time. To find out the increase that could apply to your situation, call us at 1-888-776-8343 Phone number to file a business insurance claim. This link opens your phone app..
The number of claims you make isn't the only reason your premium can go up. Various factors may also affect your premium, such as extreme weather events or the cost of repair.
Contact us
Damage insurance products are underwritten and distributed by Desjardins General Insurance Inc., provider of automobile, property and business insurance.