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Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

Your First Steps (After an Incident)

Keeping You & Your Family Safe

Your first steps following an accident are crucial. Farm Bureau Insurance protects our policyholders and community by providing detailed steps of what to do after a loss or accident. With these steps, your family can create a plan to keep everyone safe and begin the claims process as quickly as possible.

Safety First

Step 1: No matter the situation, your safety comes first – always. If possible, remove yourself and others from any danger to a safe location. If medical attention or the fire department is needed, call 911 immediately.

Auto Accident 

  • Step 2: If you have not done so already, call the police to document the accident. 
  • Step 3: Assess damages to your vehicle and take photos/videos if possible. 
  • Step 4: Collect information from the other driver(s), (contact and license plate). Do not discuss the accident with anyone besides the investigating officer. 
  • Step 5: Report your claim while still at the accident scene by calling 877-324-6764 or contacting your agent directly.
  • Step 6: After responders have cleared the scene and your claim is reported, your agent or claims representative can assist you with requesting Emergency Road Service if needed. 
  • Step 7: We may be able to assist you with a rental vehicle if necessary. Your claim representative will provide additional information as you continue forward through the claims process. 

Property Loss 

  • Step 2: If you have not done so, contact the fire or police department to document the incident. 
  • Step 3: Assess damages to your property and take photos/videos if possible. 
  • Step 4: Report the loss immediately by calling 877-324-6764 or by contacting your agent directly.
  • Step 5: If needed, contact a contractor to assist with temporary repairs or water mitigation to protect the property from further damage.
  • Step 6: If your home is uninhabitable, remove any small valuables or dangerous items (cash, jewelry, guns, etc.) 
  • Step 7: We recommend that you do not attempt to clean or further remove any damaged items until your claim representative advises you to do so and your property has been inspected. This can sometimes do more harm than good. 
  • Step 8: If you are unable to stay in your home, our First Notice of Loss Representative can assist you in finding temporary housing. Your claim representative will provide additional information as you continue forward through the claims process.