What should I do if I need to make a claim on my insurance?
There are some practical steps you can take to help make the process of making an insurance claim as straightforward as possible. The type of information you need to provide can very much depend on the nature of the claim but a good rule of thumb is the more information you can provide, the better. And don’t forget, your insurance broker can walk you through the process step-by-step.
What sort of information do I need to provide?
If your claim involves an accident or incident, then a detailed description of the date, time and location, and if relevant any witnesses, is very useful. You should also take photographs and videos of the damage and the surrounding area to send to your broker or insurer. For any damaged or stolen items, then it’s a good idea to include descriptions, brands and model numbers, along with any receipts, invoices, valuations or repair quotes, which backup proof of ownership. If you have made an inventory or register of tools and equipment on your property, then this is when that information will prove invaluable. In cases such as fire or theft, then supplying proof of loss through a police crime reference number or fire report will support your insurance claim.
How soon do I need to inform my insurance company or broker?
It’s important that you contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible after the event to get the claims process underway. It’s worth remembering that most policies have a time limit for reporting a claim, which can vary. Check your specific policy for the exact timeframe. And don't throw anything away until your insurance company has had a chance to look and inspect them.
At H&H Insurance Brokers, we have our own in-house claims team who will deal with claims and keep clients informed throughout the process. We are here to negotiate with the insurers on behalf of our clients and, if required, can provide access to a loss assessor for a free consultancy service.
Note: if our customers need to make a claim, please click here for more information and the claims form to complete.