By Bill Eck, AUSPL Insurance Program
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your property is protected from further damage. Contact a local contractor to make emergency repairs to secure the building. They can also give you an initial estimate to do the permanent repairs.
The postmaster does not always know who hit the post office or if the driver has automobile insurance. Call AUSPL Insurance at 877-642-8775. We will report it to Hannover. It will be adjusted just like any other claim and subject to the property deductible you have selected.
If the person who hit your building has auto insurance, you have two choices. First, you can work directly with their insurance carrier to get reimbursed for the damage and in that case you would not incur a deductible. You will have to negotiate a settlement with their insurance carrier which can sometimes be difficult.
The other option if the driver has insurance is to report the claim to AUSPL Insurance. Hannover will take it from there, pay the loss and go back against the other insurance company. Again, you will have the deductible if Hanover handles the claim. Sometimes, Hannover is able to get full recovery from the other carrier and may be able to ultimately reimburse you for your deductible. This is not always the case so realize that subrogation will take time and we can’t guarantee that Hannover will be successful in all cases.
In any event, we suggest you call AUSPL insurance at 877-642-8775 and we will walk you through your options for your particular situation.