How will my claim affect my renewal policy premium?
How do I report a claim?
Will Mendota inform my Independent Agent/Broker after I file my claim?
What information do I need to report my claim?
I don't have all the information needed to report my claim.  What should I do?
How can I find information about my claim?
How long will it take to settle my claim?
What should I do if I have an auto accident?
Do I need to file a police report?
What is a deductible?
What happens if my vehicle is totaled?
What if the repair shop finds additional damage that was not included in the estimate?
Will Mendota pay for a rental car while my car is getting repaired?
Can I have OEM parts?
What should I do if I have a cracked windshield?
Can anyone drive my car or do they have to be listed on my policy?
Does my insurance cover me while I am driving a rental vehicle?
Should I purchase Collision Damage Waiver protection from the car rental agency?
Will Mendota investigate for possible fraud?
Auto Claim Frequently Asked Questions
How will my claim affect my renewal policy premium?
Many factors contribute to your insurance premium, including driving and accident history.  At the time of your next renewal your policy premium will be re-evaluated to include the impact of any claims that may have been reported against your policy.  You will be notified of any changes at that time.
How do I report a claim?
You may report your claim online at www.MyMendota.com or by calling Mendota’s toll-free claim reporting number, 1-800-422-0792, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The faster you report your claim, the sooner we can get you back on the road.
Will Mendota inform my independent agent/broker after I file my claim
Yes.  Your agent/broker will be informed and given the details of your loss shortly after your claim has been reported.
What information do I need to report my claim?
Depending on the type of claim you are reporting, different information will be needed. Typically, however, the kind of information we will ask for includes:
  • Policy Number
  • Date of accident
  • Name, address, phone numbers
  • Description of accident
  • Description of injuries, if any
  • Vehicle information for other driver(s)
  • Damage to the vehicle(s)
  • Name and phone number of any witnesses
  • A police report, if filed
When you report your loss, Mendota claim professionals are trained to capture complete and accurate information so you can feel confident that the details of your loss will be obtained.  And remember, the sooner you report your loss, the sooner we can help you get back on the road.
I don't have all the information needed to report my claim.  What should I do?
You should report your claim to Mendota as soon as possible, even if you don't have all the necessary information. The faster you report your claim to us, the sooner we can start handling your claim.  You will also be in contact with your claim representative throughout the entire claim process so you can update or change information.
How can I find information about my claim?
You can find information regarding your claim by viewing your claim status online after logging on to www.MyMendota.com or by calling your Mendota claim representative.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
The first step is up to you.  The faster you report your loss to Mendota, the faster we can begin handling your claim without delay.  Each claim is different and therefore the length of time needed to settle your claim depends on many factors.  The type of claim, severity of the damages and other circumstances will all determine the time it will take to settle your claim.  Your Mendota claim representative will help you through each step of the process and can answer any questions you have about your claim.
What should I do if I have an auto accident?
  • Move out of the way of traffic and turn on your hazard warning lights.
  • Call the police even in a minor accident.  If someone is injured, request medical assistance.  If fire is involved, request fire department aid.
  • Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or your Mendota claim representative.
  • Exchange necessary information with the other driver(s).  Be sure to write down the other driver's name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance information, and contact information of all witnesses.  Also, if it is safe, take photos with a camera or cell phone camera of the vehicles and accident scene.
  • Report the accident to Mendota as soon as possible.
  • Call 1-800-422-0793 or go to www.MyMendota.com to report your claim online.  The faster you report your claim, the sooner we can get you back on the road.
Do I need to file a police report?
Yes.  You should contact the police even in a minor accident.  In many cases, a police report is required when reporting a claim.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount that you agree to pay as your part of the loss.  The insurance company pays for the amount over the deductible if it is a covered loss.  For example, if the covered claim is $2,000 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and your insurance company pays the $1,500 balance.
What happens if my vehicle is totaled?
The decision whether to repair or declare a vehicle a total loss is based on the type and the extent of damage, age of the vehicle, state law, as well as other information.  In order to make a decision, we will have to inspect your vehicle.
What if the repair shop finds additional damage that was not included in the estimate?
If additional accident-related damage is discovered after the initial estimate, the repair shop should follow the supplemental damage instructions on the Mendota/Mendakota Insurance Company estimate header before work on your vehicle continues.
Will Mendota pay for a rental car while my car is getting repaired?
Some policies may contain rental reimbursement coverage.  These specific coverages need to be discussed with your claim representative.
Can I have OEM parts?
Your policy provides for the use of OEM and non-OEM parts which are certified by the Certified Automotive Parts Association.  The use of alternative parts helps reduce overall repair costs and helps keep the cost of physical damage premiums lower.  Alternative parts may also get you back on the road sooner without sacrificing the quality or safety of your vehicle.
What should I do if I have a cracked windshield?
You should promptly report your glass damage claim to us prior to authorizing any repairs.  We will then reach an agreed upon price for the glass repairs with the repair facility of your choice.
Can anyone drive my car or do they have to be listed on my policy?
You can lend your vehicle to another driver occasionally without having them listed on your policy.  Your policy will provide some coverage for drivers who have your permission to use your vehicle.  However, all regular operators of your vehicle and any household members age 14 and older should be listed on your policy.    If they are not listed, they may not be covered if they are involved in a claim.
Does my insurance cover me while I am driving a rental vehicle?
In most states, you’re covered for liability to others while you are driving a rental vehicle and abiding by the rental agreement terms, either by the rental company (at no extra charge) or under your policy.  Please refer to your policy contract for more details.
Should I purchase Collision Damage Waiver protection from the car rental agency?
Any coverage for damage that occurs while you are operating / occupying a rental vehicle is subject to the laws governing the state in which the loss occurred, the rental contract and your policy contract.  Please review your policy and any applicable endorsements or ask your Mendota Independent Agent/ Broker.
Will Mendota investigate for possible fraud?
We employ special investigative units to help identify and control claims that may involve fraud.  So if you suspect fraud, please let your claim representative know immediately.  Also, suspected fraud can be reported directly to the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422).