What essential information is collected during the initial notification of a claim?

The essential information collected during the initial notification of a claim includes the date and time of the occurrence. This detail is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes a timeline for the incident, allowing the insurance company to understand when the event took place relative to the policy coverage period. Secondly, the date and time can help in verifying the details of the incident, including any potential patterns in the claims or overlaps with other events. This information also aids in the investigation process, as it may influence witness availability and the collection of evidence.

While the other options provide important information, they are not as fundamentally crucial for the initial notification as the date and time of the occurrence. For example, while contact information for the insurance agent is useful for communication purposes, it does not directly pertain to the specifics of the event itself. Names of potential witnesses and claims history can be gathered later in the process as the claim is further developed and investigated.