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Filing a Claim

Take a breath.
We've got you.

If you're here, something's happened — and that can feel overwhelming. The good news: filing a claim is more manageable than it seems, and you don't have to do it alone. We'll walk you through every step and advocate for you along the way.

Start Your Claim → 📞 Call or Text Us

Not sure if you should file? That's okay — call or text us first and we'll talk it through, no pressure.

ShieldCo helping a client through the claims process
We're in your corner Independent · Missouri · Est. 2019

If this is urgent or after hours

1

Anyone hurt or in danger? Call 911.

People come before property, always. Get everyone safe first — everything else can wait.

2

Call your carrier’s 24/7 claims line

Every carrier has one, and it’s open nights, weekends, and holidays. The number is on your insurance ID card and on the declarations page of your policy. They can start your claim immediately.

3

Then text us so we can help

Text 636-944-4008 starting with CLAIM: and what happened. We’ll pick it up and step in to advocate for you.

We’d rather you get help right now than wait on us. Our office hours are Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST — but your carrier never closes, and we’ll be on it as soon as we see your message.

What to do right now

A few simple steps in the moment can make your whole claim smoother. Here's where to start.

1

Make sure everyone is safe

First things first — people come before property. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911. Get to safety, and only deal with the rest once everyone is okay.

2

Prevent further damage

Take reasonable steps to stop things from getting worse — like shutting off water or covering a broken window. Keep every receipt for these temporary fixes; they're often reimbursable.

3

Reach out to us

Call, text, or start your claim below. The sooner we know what happened, the sooner we can guide you and get the process moving with your carrier.

Documenting an insurance claim with photos

Document everything
you can

Good documentation is the single most powerful thing you can do for your own claim. When in doubt, take the photo. It costs nothing and protects you later.

Photograph the damageTake clear photos and videos from multiple angles, both wide shots and close-ups, before anything is moved or cleaned up.
Keep every receiptSave receipts for emergency repairs, hotel stays, replacement essentials, and anything you spend mitigating the loss. These are frequently reimbursable.
Write down what happenedJot a quick timeline while it's fresh — the date, time, what occurred, and any people involved. Memory fades fast after a stressful event.
Make a list of affected itemsNote damaged or lost belongings with rough values, and dig up receipts, manuals, or photos from before if you have them.
Don't toss damaged items yetHold onto damaged property until the claim is reviewed when it's safe to do so — an adjuster may need to see it firsthand.
Why It Helps To Have Us

We're the liaison between you
and the insurance company

As an independent agency, we sit on your side of the table. We're here to make sure both you and your carrier are treated fairly and operate by the book — so you can focus on getting back to normal while we help keep the process honest.

We advocate for you

If something doesn't look right with how your claim is being handled, we speak up on your behalf and push for a fair outcome.

We translate the fine print

Policies and claims language can be confusing. We explain what's covered, what's expected of you, and what happens next — in plain English.

We keep it fair & legal

Our job is to make sure both sides honor the policy. That protects you — and keeps the whole process operating the way it should.

Start your claim

Fill out the form below and we'll reach out quickly to guide you through the rest. The more detail you can share, the faster we can help.

Claim intake

Tell us what happened — we'll take it from here.

Prefer to talk to a person? Call or text 636-944-4008 and we'll start your claim together.

Claim questions, answered

The things people worry about most — explained simply.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?
It depends on the type and circumstances of the claim, and it's a fair thing to wonder about. If you're unsure whether to file, call or text us first — we'll walk through your situation honestly and help you decide what makes the most sense before anything is submitted.
How long does a claim take?
Every claim is different — a simple one may resolve in days, while larger or more complex losses can take longer. Strong documentation up front almost always speeds things along, and we'll keep you updated at each stage so you're never left wondering.
What is a deductible, and do I pay it?
A deductible is the portion you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. It's set by your policy. We'll remind you what yours is and help you weigh whether filing makes sense given the size of the loss.
What if my claim gets denied?
A denial isn't always the end of the road. We'll help you understand the reason, gather any additional documentation, and — when appropriate — advocate for a review. Having us in your corner is exactly when it matters most.
Do I have to use ShieldCo's recommended repair shops?
In most cases, the choice is yours. We're happy to suggest trusted options, but you're generally free to choose who repairs your property. We'll let you know if your specific policy has any requirements to keep in mind.

However it happened,
we'll help you through it.

You don't have to navigate this alone. Reach out and we'll guide you from the first step to the final check.

Start Your Claim → 📞 Call or Text 636-944-4008

myshieldco.com  ·  Missouri Independent Agency  ·  Est. 2019