Insurance

7. Making a Claim

If you have to make a claim, following a methodical procedure will ensure it is settled with a minimum of delay.

7.1 Ask your insurer for a claim form.

7.2 Return the claim form, with at least two or three estimates for the work to be done.

7.3 Explain all the relevant circumstances surrounding the claim.

• If an insurer discovers material facts have been held back, it can damage your claim.

7.4 Wait for the insurance company's go-ahead before starting the work.

• You may be given permission by phone to get urgent work done straight away (eg making the premises weathertight).

7.5 The insurance company may send a loss adjuster (an independent expert, paid for by the insurer) to check the damage or loss.

7.6 You can employ your own independent expert - a loss assessor - who will charge a fee, which you should agree beforehand.

• A loss assessor needs to be involved from the very beginning. It is too late to engage one once you have received an offer from the insurer.
• If you are using an insurance broker, resolving and settling claims is part of the service the broker should provide, at no extra cost to you.