Property Claims

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIMS

In order to get your claim started as soon as possible, we recommend reporting your claim directly to the insurance company on their 24 hour claims number which is detailed on your policy.  Alternatively please click here for our insurer 24 hour claims numbers.

If however you prefer to notify the insurers by claim form, please download a claim form from here if you have a claim for damage or loss of
any property (other than motor related claims)
Property_Claim_Form_.doc

If you wish to notify us of a claim please ring us on 0116 284 6090 or complete this form and e mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax or post to it to us as soon as possible.

CLAIMS ADVICE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE

1. IMPORTANT - Notify us or your insurers of the claim as soon as possible!
2. Notify the police in the case of theft, arson or other criminal damage
3. Take photos of the damage as soon as possible
4. Protect the property from any further damage e.g.

• Cover any exposed property from the elements
• Make repairs to the property if reasonable and necessary to protect the property from further damage
• Keep a record of all expenses incurred by yourself in protecting the property

5. If you are submitting a claim form, please forward it to us as soon as possible
6. Make a list of the property damaged including the quantity, description and estimated value of the lost or damaged items
7. Forward any receipts, bills or related documents in respect of the lost or damaged items, or any emergency repairs.
8. Retain any damaged property until a claims adjuster agrees that you may dispose of the items (or alternatively contact ourselves and we will seek approval on your behalf).
9. A claims adjuster may wish to inspect the damaged property or discuss the claim with you
10. If a claim is affecting the operation of you business, please let us know as soon as possible in order that we may inform insurers and ask them to expedite your claim

CLAIMS FOR DAMAGED DRAINS

it is important to deal with problems with damaged drains as soon as possible, as pipes or drains that   continue to leak over  time  can cause ground to soften or wash away.  This can cause subsequent subsidence claims, which can be very costly to repair.

SUBSIDENCE CLAIMS

it can be very distressing if your property ( which is usually your most valuable asset), is developing cracks and other signs of subsidence.

It is not a problem that can be dealt with overnight, as, in order to deal with it properly, there must be site investigations, which can include trial holes, drainage tests and soil tests, in order to determine the cause of the problem and the best way to repair the property.
Subsidence-_Dealing_with_the_Problem1.doc - Advice on dealing with subsidence claims from the Association of British Insurers

CLAIMS ADVICE FOR BUSINESS

INTERRUPTION CLAIMS

(FOLLOWING LOSS OR DAMAGE

TO YOUR PROPERTY)

1. Please inform us as soon as possible if the claim is affecting your ability to trade or affecting your profits
2. Make a record of all expenses incurred due to the loss e.g:-

• Overtime to fulfill orders
• Wages paid to employees to help in the cleaning and clearing up operation
• Any other costs incurred in the clean up operation
• Rent of alternative premises until your premises are fit for occupation
• Rental or purchase of any items necessary to minimise the loss of profits
• Wages for employees that you continued to pay but were unable to work

3. Make a record of any business lost due to the loss or damage to your property e.g.

• Work or orders that you had to refuse
• Cancelled orders
• The permanent loss of regular customers due to them finding another supplier

4. In the event of a large loss, the loss adjuster may request further information to help quantify the loss of income e.g. Financial Records (which if destroyed you should be able to get from computer back ups, or your accountant may also have some information)

Advice from Aviva regarding protecting your property against fire and arson
Advice from Aviva regarding protection your property against flood, water damage and other issues
Advice from Aviva regarding security on your property

CLAIMS ADVICE FOR MONEY CLAIMS

1. Report the theft /loss of money to the police and get a crime reference number
2. Report the claim to us or directly to your insurers as soon as possible
3. Send us proof of the amount lost e.g. copy statement of amount withdrawn, copy cash withdrawal slips, copy of the relevant cash book page etc
4. Please ring us if you have any queries, or require any advice

Useful information

Financial Ombudsman advice on storm damage insurance claims

Financial ombudsman advice on subsidence insurance claims

FOS  - damage to underground pipes made from pitch-fibre

FOS - Household Insurance - accidental damage claims

FOS - household insurance - repairs

FOS - caravan insurance

FOS - marine Insurance