Whether it’s a car accident on the road, a quad bike stolen from a shed, or a water flooding through your home or buildings, no one can predict the future so the best we can do is protect against the unexpected.
If you do need to make a claim on your insurance policy, then there are some practical steps you can take to help make the process as straightforward as possible, with the general rule being the more information, the better.
The type of information you need to provide can very much depend on the nature of the claim and your broker will walk you through the process step-by-step.
We have our own in-house claims team who personally deal with your claim and will keep you informed throughout the entire process and leaving you free to get on with the day-to-day priorities of running your business.
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 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.
You can also include any preventative measures which you have taken to secure your property and belongings such as installing alarm systems or security cameras, bolting doors and using motion-sensor lighting.
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.
Make sure you contact your insurance 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.
Whatever the nature of your claim, you need to know that it will be dealt with quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of fuss, which is what our claims team do every single day. It’s fair to say they are the exact opposite of a faceless call centre, and will look after you through the whole process.
We understand that experiencing a fire, a theft or a flood is about much more than financial loss. It’s often a difficult, often emotional time, which can impact not just on you but on your family, employees and wider business.
It’s our job to make sure that you are back on your feet as quickly as possible by making the claims process as simple and easy as possible.
Insurance is about more than planning for potential future events, it’s about having the peace of mind that your business is protected so you can focus on the things that matter.