A "loss run" report is a comprehensive document provided by an insurance carrier that details an insured's claims history over a specified period, typically the past three to five years. It's a critical piece of information when you're seeking new insurance coverage or renewing an existing policy, as it helps underwriters assess your risk profile. For businesses, this is especially vital for commercial policies like workers' compensation, general liability, and commercial auto.
Are you ready to dive in and get those Nationwide loss runs? Let's go through the steps together!
How to Get Loss Runs from Nationwide: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining loss runs from Nationwide, like any other insurer, requires a structured approach. While it might seem like a simple request, knowing the proper channels and what information to provide can significantly expedite the process.
How To Get Loss Runs From Nationwide |
Step 1: Understand What You Need and Why You Need It
Before you even think about contacting Nationwide, let's make sure you're clear on the what and why.
What are Loss Runs?
A loss run report typically includes the following key information for each claim:
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
- Carrier Name: The name of the insurance company (Nationwide, in this case).
- Insured's Name: Your name or your business's name.
- Policy Number(s): The specific policy numbers associated with the claims.
- Policy Coverage Dates: The start and end dates of the policies under which the claims occurred.
- Valuation Date: The date on which the data in the report was generated. Insurers often require "currently valued" loss runs, meaning the valuation date should be recent (e.g., within 30-90 days).
- Claim Number: A unique identifier for each claim.
- Date of Loss: The date when the incident occurred.
- Claim Type: The nature of the claim (e.g., auto accident, property damage, slip and fall).
- Claim Status: Whether the claim is open or closed.
- Amounts Paid: The total amount Nationwide has paid out on the claim to date.
- Reserves Held: Any amount Nationwide has set aside for future costs related to open claims.
- Brief Description: A short summary of the incident.
Why are Loss Runs Important?
- Underwriting New Policies: New insurers use loss runs to evaluate your risk and determine eligibility and premiums. A clean history generally leads to better rates.
- Renewing Existing Policies: Nationwide will use your loss runs to assess your renewal rates.
- Shopping for Better Rates: If you have a good claims history, loss runs can be leverage to get more competitive quotes from other carriers.
- Risk Management: Analyzing your loss runs can help you identify trends in claims and implement preventative measures to reduce future losses.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Information
To make your request smooth and efficient, have the following details readily available:
- Your Nationwide Policy Number(s): This is paramount. If you have multiple policies (e.g., commercial auto and general liability), gather all relevant numbers.
- The Specific Policy Period You Need: Most insurers require 3-5 years of loss history, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the entity requesting the loss runs (e.g., your new agent or underwriter).
- Your Full Legal Name or Business Name: Ensure it matches the name on your policy.
- Contact Information: Your phone number, email address, and mailing address.
- Reason for the Request: While not always mandatory, stating the reason (e.g., "shopping for new insurance," "renewal quotes") can sometimes help.
- Preferred Delivery Method: Do you want it emailed, faxed, or mailed? Email is usually the fastest.
Step 3: Choose Your Contact Method
Nationwide offers several ways to get in touch. Selecting the most appropriate one can depend on the urgency and nature of your request.
Option A: Contact Your Nationwide Agent
- This is often the most direct and efficient method. Your Nationwide agent is your primary point of contact and has direct access to your policy information and the channels for requesting loss runs.
- How to do it:
- Call your agent directly. Explain that you need your loss runs for a specific policy number(s) and period.
- Email your agent. This provides a written record of your request. Clearly state the policy details and the timeframe needed.
- Tip: Your agent's contact information can typically be found on your policy declaration page, ID card, or billing statements.
Option B: Call Nationwide's Customer Service/Claims Department
If you don't have an agent or prefer to go directly to the source, Nationwide's customer service or claims department can assist.
- For Commercial Insurance Claims: Call 1-800-421-3535.
- For Personal Auto or Property Claims: Call 1-800-421-3535 (this number appears to handle general claims as well).
- General Inquiries/Help Center: You can also check their main "Help Center" or "Contact Us" pages on nationwide.com for specific department numbers.
- How to do it:
- Be prepared to provide your policy number and other identifying information to the representative.
- Clearly state that you need "loss runs" or "claims history reports" for the specified policy period.
Option C: Utilize Online Portals (If Available)
While direct loss run downloads aren't always universally available through online portals, it's worth checking your Nationwide online account.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
- How to do it:
- Log in to your Nationwide online account.
- Navigate to your policy details or a "Claims" section.
- Look for options to view or request claims history, policy documents, or specific reports. While you might find claim summaries, full loss runs are typically generated upon request by an agent or a specialized department.
Option D: Written Request (Email or Mail)
For a formal record, especially if you encounter any difficulties, a written request is a good option.
- Email: Send an email to your agent or a general Nationwide claims/customer service email address if one is provided (e.g., for certain specialty claims,
essreportaloss@nationwide.com
might be relevant, but always confirm the correct address for loss runs). - Mail: Send a formal letter to Nationwide's corporate address or the claims department. Include all necessary policy details and your contact information. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 4: Follow Up and Be Persistent (If Necessary)
Insurance companies are legally mandated in many states to provide loss runs within a specific timeframe (often 10 business days).
- Document Everything: Keep a record of the date and time of your request, the method you used, the name of the person you spoke with (if by phone), and any reference numbers provided.
- Set a Reminder: If you don't receive your loss runs within the expected timeframe, follow up. Refer to your documented request.
- Escalate if Needed: If you face significant delays or resistance, consider escalating your request.
- Speak to a supervisor at Nationwide.
- If the issue persists, you may need to contact your state's Department of Insurance or Insurance Commissioner. They can often intervene to ensure carriers comply with regulations regarding providing policyholder information.
Step 5: Review Your Loss Runs Carefully
Once you receive your loss runs, don't just file them away!
- Verify Accuracy: Check all the details: policy numbers, dates of loss, claim statuses, and amounts paid.
- Identify Errors: If you spot any discrepancies or errors, immediately contact Nationwide to get them corrected. Incorrect information can negatively impact your future insurance rates.
- Understand Open vs. Closed Claims: Pay attention to the status of claims. Open claims may still have reserves held against them, which can influence underwriting.
- Assess Trends: For businesses, look for patterns in claims. Are there recurring types of incidents? This can highlight areas where you can improve safety or operational procedures.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to read a Nationwide loss run report?
A Nationwide loss run report will typically list claims chronologically, showing the date of loss, a brief description of the incident, the amount paid out, and any reserves held for open claims. Look for your policy number, the coverage period, and the valuation date at the top.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
How to dispute an error on a Nationwide loss run report?
Contact Nationwide directly, ideally your agent or the claims department, and provide clear documentation of the error. Be prepared to submit supporting evidence (e.g., police reports, prior correspondence).
How to get loss runs if my Nationwide policy is canceled?
You can still request loss runs for a canceled policy. Follow the same steps as outlined above, ensuring you provide the former policy number and the dates you need. Insurers are obligated to provide this historical data.
How to get loss runs for personal auto insurance from Nationwide?
For personal auto insurance, you can typically contact your Nationwide agent or call their general claims number (1-800-421-3535). Provide your policy number and the desired claims history period.
How to get loss runs for Nationwide commercial insurance?
For commercial insurance, contact your Nationwide business insurance agent or call the commercial claims department at 1-800-421-3535. Specify the type of commercial policy (e.g., General Liability, Workers' Comp) and the policy number.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to interpret "reserves" on a Nationwide loss run?
"Reserves" are funds set aside by Nationwide for potential future payments on an open claim. They represent the insurer's estimate of the remaining cost of a claim. While not yet paid out, they are considered in your claims history and can impact your risk profile.
How to submit Nationwide loss runs to another insurance company?
Once you receive the loss runs, you can typically email the PDF document directly to your new insurance agent or broker, or upload it through their online application portal if available.
How to speed up the Nationwide loss run request process?
Ensure you provide all necessary information upfront (policy numbers, exact dates, clear contact details). Calling your direct agent is often faster than general customer service lines. Follow up politely but persistently if there are delays.
How to find my Nationwide policy number for a loss run request?
Your Nationwide policy number can be found on your insurance ID card, your policy declaration page, any billing statements from Nationwide, or by logging into your online Nationwide account.
How to tell if a Nationwide loss run report is "currently valued"?
Look for the "Valuation Date" on the report. For a report to be "currently valued," this date should be recent, typically within the last 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the requirements of the requesting entity.