Business claims

Business liability claim: what to do and what to gather

Tell your insurer straight away, and don't admit fault or settle on your own.

If anyone is hurt, get help first. Then tell your insurer before you reply to any demand or letter.

Do this first

1. Make the situation safe and get medical help if anyone is hurt
2. Write down what happened while it's fresh Date, time, place, who was there and what was said.
3. Don't admit fault, offer payment or agree to anything Doing so can affect your cover. Leave it to your insurer.
4. Send any letter, claim or legal document to your insurer straight away Don't answer it yourself. Deadlines can be short.

Who to tell

• Your insurer or broker: Tell them as soon as you know about the incident or claim.
• The police, if a crime or serious injury is involved: Keep the report number.
• Your workplace safety regulator, if it's a notifiable incident: Some serious incidents must be reported by law.

What to gather

• A written account of what happened. Your insurer will ask for it first.
• Photos of the scene and anything damaged. Taken before anything is changed.
• Names and contact details of witnesses. A neutral account can help.
• Any letter of demand or complaint. Your insurer needs it, unanswered.
• Records, such as contracts, safety checks and incident reports. Shows what you did to manage the risk.

Things that catch people out

• Admitting fault or agreeing to pay before talking to your insurer can affect your cover.
• Late notification can reduce what your insurer pays. Policies often say how quickly you must report.

General guidance only. It isn't your insurer's requirements or financial advice. Always check your policy documents and your insurer's instructions.