When loss or damage occurs, it is useful to make a written note of the basic facts such as the time of discovery or when the incident occurred. It is best to do this as soon as possible, as the memory quickly fades.
The following notes are designed to help you more specifically with most of the typical claim types:
Damage to property
Make a list of the damaged property and find as much as you can in the way of documentary evidence to support the amounts claimed, such as receipts or repair estimates.
If damage is extensive we will arrange for a Loss Adjuster to attend.
Some insurers operate their own property replacement and repair services. If you are unsure whether these services apply in your particular case please contact our claims department.
Theft of property
Make a list of the lost or damaged items and find as much as you can in the way of documentary evidence to support the amounts claimed, such as receipts or repair estimates.
Notify the police of the incident and keep a note of the crime reference number and station address.
Some insurers operate their own property replacement service. If you are unsure whether these services apply in your particular case, please contact our claims department.
Loss of money
Documentary evidence (such as cash withdrawal slips) showing the exact amount of money stolen will be required.
Notify the police of the incident and keep a note of the crime reference number and station address.
Motor accidents
At the scene of the accident obtain details of:
Third party's names and addresses
The registration number of any vehicles involved
Whenever possible, the name and address of any witness to the accident.
It is a requirement that all accidents are reported as soon as possible, even where there is no damage to your vehicle. Any accident involving injury needs to be reported to the police.
Most motor insurers operate a 24-hour helpline where they can take details of the accident over the telephone and arrange for your vehicle to be removed to an approved repairer, if necessary. Always have your policy number to hand when contacting insurers directly and please take a note of their claim reference number.
Any correspondence received from third parties or their representatives should be forwarded immediately, unanswered, to us or your insurer for attention. Insurers only have a limited time to respond to third party correspondence, so it is essential that this is done quickly.
Most insurers operate an Approved Repairer Scheme – details will be provided via their helpline, or contact our claims department.
Motor theft
Theft of a vehicle should be reported immediately to the police and as soon as possible to us or your insurers. Keep a record of the crime reference number. In most cases, your insurers will wait up to six weeks to see if the vehicle is recovered before making a settlement offer.
The original Vehicle Registration Document (V5), MOT certificate, purchase receipt and details of any finance/lease agreement etc need to be passed to insurers to enable them to set a value on the vehicle.
Employers' liability - injury to employees
Your insurers MUST respond to any letter of claim you receive within 21 days, otherwise the claimant’s solicitors can issue proceedings without any sanction. It is essential, therefore, that all letters of claim be passed on to us immediately upon receipt, with all relevant information.
This means you must:
Report all claims/incidents likely to give rise to a claim IMMEDIATELY
Complete a claim form as quickly as possible and return it to us
Retain all evidence of any incidents such as:
Pass on all correspondence received in connection with the matter to us immediately and unanswered.
