Hey there! Are you looking to get your loss runs from Nationwide? Whether you're switching insurance providers, renewing your current policy, or just need a clear picture of your claims history, obtaining these reports is a crucial step. It can feel a bit daunting, but don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the process, step-by-step, to make it as smooth as possible.
What Are Loss Runs and Why Are They Important?
Before we dive into how to get them, let's quickly understand what loss runs are.
Loss runs, also known as loss history reports, are detailed summaries of your past insurance claims. They are generated by your insurance carrier and typically cover a specific period, often the last three to five years. Think of it like your credit score, but for your insurance history!
What information do they usually contain?
- Carrier Name: The name of the insurance company.
- Insured Name: Your name or your business's name.
- Policy Number(s): The unique identifiers for your insurance policies.
- Policy Coverage Dates: The start and end dates of your policies.
- Valuation Date: The date the report was generated, ensuring the data is current.
- Claim Number: A unique identifier for each claim.
- Date of Loss: When the incident that led to the claim occurred.
- Type of Claim: The nature of the claim (e.g., auto accident, property damage, workers' compensation).
- Claim Status: Whether the claim is open or closed.
- Amounts Paid: The total amount paid out on the claim to date.
- Reserves Held: Amounts set aside for future costs on open claims.
Why are they so important?
- Underwriting Decisions: New insurance carriers use loss runs to assess your risk profile. A history of frequent or severe claims might lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage.
- Renewal Negotiations: If you're renewing with your current carrier, your loss runs help them determine your new premium.
- Demonstrating Low Risk: If you have a clean claims history, your loss runs can be a powerful tool to negotiate lower premiums with prospective insurers.
- Identifying Weaknesses: For businesses, loss runs can highlight areas where risk management or safety protocols could be improved.
Now that you understand their significance, let's get into the practical steps of acquiring your Nationwide loss runs.
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information (Don't Skip This!)
This is where you, the user, come in! Before you even think about contacting Nationwide, take a moment to gather all the necessary details. Having this information readily available will make the entire process much faster and smoother.
- Your Policy Number(s): This is perhaps the most crucial piece of information. Locate your policy declaration pages, ID cards, or billing statements.
- Your Full Name / Business Name: Ensure it matches what's on your policy.
- Policy Effective and Expiration Dates: Knowing the exact period for which you need the loss runs is vital. Most requests are for the past 3-5 years, but confirm with any potential new carriers if they have a specific requirement.
- Type of Insurance Policy: Is it personal auto, homeowner's, commercial general liability, workers' compensation, etc.?
- Your Contact Information: This includes your phone number, email address, and mailing address.
- Reason for the Request (Optional but Helpful): While not always required, knowing why you need the loss runs (e.g., shopping for a new policy, renewal) can sometimes help the representative understand your urgency.
Pro-Tip: If you have multiple policies with Nationwide, make sure you have the policy numbers for each one you need loss runs for. This will prevent multiple calls or requests.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Contacting Nationwide
Nationwide offers several avenues for contacting them. The best method for you might depend on the urgency of your request and your preference for communication.
Sub-heading: Option A: Contacting Your Nationwide Agent Directly
This is often the most straightforward and recommended approach. Your dedicated Nationwide agent is your primary point of contact and is best equipped to handle your policy-specific requests.
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Locate Your Agent's Contact Information:
- Check your policy declaration pages.
- Look at your auto ID cards.
- Review recent billing statements.
- Visit the Nationwide website and use their "Find an Agent" tool if you've misplaced their details.
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Reach Out to Your Agent:
- Call them: A phone call allows for immediate communication and clarification. Be prepared with the information you gathered in Step 1.
- Email them: Sending an email creates a written record of your request. Clearly state what you need (loss runs), the policy numbers, and the period you require.
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Follow Up: If you don't hear back within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 2-3 business days), follow up with another call or email.
Sub-heading: Option B: Calling Nationwide Customer Service
If you don't have a specific agent, or prefer to go through the main customer service channels, this is a viable option.
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Identify the Correct Department/Number: Nationwide has various phone numbers for different types of insurance and services.
- General Insurance Help (Auto & Property): 1-877-669-6877
- Commercial Insurance Service: 1-888-508-8622
- Life Insurance Service: 1-800-848-6331
- Harleysville (a Nationwide company): 1-800-222-1981 (Option 3 for policy inquiries)
- Commercial Agribusiness: 1-800-228-6700
- E&S and Specialty Insurance: 1-800-423-7675 (option 1)
It's crucial to select the number that corresponds to the type of policy for which you need loss runs.
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Be Prepared for Verification: When you call, the representative will need to verify your identity to protect your privacy. This usually involves confirming your name, address, policy number, and potentially other personal details.
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Clearly State Your Request: Once connected, clearly state that you need "loss runs" or "loss history reports" for your policy. Specify the policy number(s) and the desired timeframe (e.g., "the last five years").
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Confirm Delivery Method and Timeframe: Ask how the loss runs will be delivered (email, mail, online portal) and how long it typically takes. Many states mandate insurers to provide loss runs within a specific timeframe, often 10 days.
Sub-heading: Option C: Online Portals (If Available)
Some insurance carriers offer online portals where you can access policy documents and sometimes even request loss runs directly. While Nationwide has online portals for managing policies and filing claims, direct access to download loss runs might be limited for certain policy types or may still require a specific request.
- Log In to Your Nationwide Account: Go to the official Nationwide website and log in to your personal or business account.
- Navigate Policy/Document Sections: Look for sections related to "My Policies," "Documents," "Claims History," or similar.
- Search for "Loss Runs" or "Loss History": See if there's a direct option to request or download these reports. If not, look for contact information within the portal for policy services.
- Initiate Request: If an online request form is available, fill it out accurately with all the information you gathered in Step 1.
Step 3: Formalizing Your Request (If Necessary)
While a phone call or email to your agent is often sufficient, some situations or specific Nationwide departments might require a more formal, written request. This also provides a clear paper trail.
Sub-heading: Sending a Written Request (Email or Letter)
If you're asked to submit a written request, or if you prefer to have a documented exchange:
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Craft a Clear and Concise Message:
- Subject Line (for email): "Loss Run Request - [Your Name/Business Name] - Policy # [Your Policy Number]"
- Salutation: Address it to your agent or the appropriate Nationwide department.
- Body:
- State your full name or business name.
- Provide your policy number(s).
- Clearly request loss runs for the specified period (e.g., "Please provide loss runs for policy number XXXXXXXX for the period of June 22, 2020, to June 22, 2025.").
- State your preferred method of delivery (e.g., "Please email the loss runs to [your email address] or mail them to [your mailing address].").
- Include your contact phone number.
- Mention the reason for the request, if you wish (e.g., "I am requesting these loss runs as I am exploring new insurance options.").
- Closing: "Sincerely," followed by your name and contact information.
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Attach Supporting Documents (if relevant): While usually not required for a simple loss run request, if there are any specific circumstances, you might be asked to provide additional documentation.
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Keep Records: Save a copy of your email or a copy of the letter you send for your records. Note the date you sent it.
Step 4: Receiving and Reviewing Your Loss Runs
Once you've submitted your request, it's time to wait for Nationwide to process it.
Sub-heading: What to Expect:
- Delivery Timeframe: As mentioned, expect the loss runs within the timeframe mandated by your state, often around 10 business days. Complex requests or busy periods might take slightly longer.
- Delivery Method: They will typically be sent via email (as a PDF attachment) or postal mail, depending on your preference and Nationwide's standard practice.
- Format: Loss runs are usually structured reports, often in a table format, detailing each claim chronologically.
Sub-heading: Important Review Steps:
- Verify Accuracy: This is extremely important. Carefully review the entire report.
- Do all policy numbers and dates match?
- Are all claims accurately listed?
- Are the claim statuses correct (open/closed)?
- Are the paid amounts and reserves accurate?
- Check for Missing Information: Ensure all the expected years of history are included.
- Identify Any Discrepancies: If you find any errors or missing information, immediately contact Nationwide to rectify them. Provide specific details about what is incorrect. Having accurate loss runs is vital for any future insurance dealings.
Step 5: What If You Encounter Issues?
While the process is generally smooth, sometimes hurdles can arise.
Sub-heading: Common Challenges and Solutions:
- Delay in Receiving Reports: If the promised timeframe has passed, follow up politely but persistently with your agent or the customer service department. Refer to your original request (date of call/email).
- Unresponsive Agent/Department: If your initial contact isn't yielding results, try reaching out to a different Nationwide customer service number or department.
- Incorrect Information on Loss Runs: As mentioned in Step 4, contact Nationwide immediately to dispute any inaccuracies. Provide documentation if you have it (e.g., claim closure letters).
- Difficulty Getting Through: During peak times, phone lines can be busy. Try calling during off-peak hours or using an alternative contact method like email.
- "Currently Valued" Loss Runs: Insurance companies often require loss runs to be "currently valued," meaning the valuation date (when the data on the report was generated) must be within a certain timeframe (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days) of your new application date. If your loss runs are older than this, you may need to request an updated set.
Sub-heading: Escalation:
If you are facing significant difficulty or an outright refusal to provide your loss runs, you have recourse:
- Contact Your State's Department of Insurance: All states have a Department of Insurance (or similar regulatory body) that oversees insurance practices. They can assist if an insurer is not complying with regulations regarding providing loss runs. This should be a last resort, but it's an effective one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get loss runs from Nationwide for a personal auto policy?
You can typically get loss runs for a personal auto policy by contacting your Nationwide agent directly or calling Nationwide's general insurance customer service at 1-877-669-6877.
How to request commercial loss runs from Nationwide?
For commercial loss runs, contact your commercial Nationwide agent, or call Nationwide Commercial Insurance Service at 1-888-508-8622. If it's for Excess & Surplus or Specialty, call 1-800-423-7675, option 1.
How to find my Nationwide policy number for a loss run request?
Your Nationwide policy number can be found on your policy declaration page, your insurance ID cards, or recent billing statements.
How to get loss runs if I no longer have an active policy with Nationwide?
Even if your policy is no longer active, Nationwide is still obligated to provide your loss runs. Follow the same contact methods (previous agent or customer service) and provide your old policy number and relevant dates.
How to dispute an inaccuracy on my Nationwide loss runs?
Contact Nationwide's customer service or your agent immediately. Provide specific details about the inaccuracy and any supporting documentation you have to prove your claim.
How to know how many years of loss runs are needed?
Most insurance companies require 3 to 5 years of loss history. If you're providing them to a new insurer, always confirm with them how many years they specifically need.
How to ensure my loss runs are "currently valued"?
When you request your loss runs, ask Nationwide to provide "currently valued" reports. The valuation date on the report should be within 30-90 days of when you plan to submit it to a new insurer.
How to get a quick turnaround on my loss run request?
Having all your policy information ready before you call or email, and clearly stating your request, will help expedite the process. Emailing your agent often creates a faster response time than snail mail.
How to handle a Nationwide agent who is unresponsive to my loss run request?
If your agent is unresponsive, try calling Nationwide's main customer service line for the relevant insurance type. If issues persist, consider contacting your state's Department of Insurance.
How to send loss runs to a new insurance company?
Once you receive your loss runs from Nationwide, you will typically forward them directly to your new insurance company or broker, usually as a PDF attachment via email.
