How to Claim for Property Insurance

Knowing the process of doing the right insurance claim procedures are important to the client, because it helps settle claims quickly and seamlessly. If the claims procedure is not done, it can lead to delay settlement of claims, and in certain circumstances, may cause the insurance company denied the claim.In particular, we will examine:

(a)     How the incident should be reported to THE INSURANCE COMPANY

(b)     What immediate action should be taken

(c)     What information THE INSURANCE COMPANY will require you to provide to substantiate the claim

Please assure that you follow these procedures:

Reporting the Loss

1.   Report the Incident to Claim Department of THE INSURANCE COMPANY immediately not later than 7 days.

Action to be Taken

2.   Regardless of whether or not the incident has been reported or a loss adjuster appointed, you must immediately do whatever is necessary to prevent further loss of life or property damage. For example:

· Call the fire brigade, ambulance, police or other emergency services

· If during business hours – ensure the evacuation (if necessary) of all staff and neighbours

· If critical machinery fails – commence search for replacement plant/equipment or service

· Engage a security firm to protect the site (if required)

· Erect temporary protection over broken windows or roofing if possible to do so in safety

· Remove property which is exposed to further damage to a more secure location

· Remove vital business records if possible to do so in safety

· Take plenty photographs of the damage and of any salvageable equipment

The Claim Process

· THE INSURANCE COMPANY will normally appoint a Loss Adjuster to investigate the cause of the loss/damage and determine the settlement amount. Loss Adjuster is independent experts but their services are paid for by THE INSURANCE COMPANY. The Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY will visit the site at a convenient date and time with you. It is normal for the surveyor to take photographs and interview your personnel regarding the incident. Full cooperation must be extended to the Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

· It will speed up the process if you are able to prepare a chronology of accident/incident and obtain estimates of loss/quotations for repair from the suppliers/contractors and have these items ready for presentation to the Loss Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY when they visit.

· All requests for documentation will be made in writing, and the Loss Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY will provide guidance and explanations as required.

· You will be required to provide the documentation requested as soon as possible but if the claim settlement is proceed quickly you should endeavour to submit the documents no later than 15 days after the request is received. In the event that you are unable to provide any item requested by the Loss Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY you will need to provide a written explanation to THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

· Once received, the Loss Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY will check the information to ensure it is complete and that it matches what the Loss Adjuster / THE INSURANCE COMPANY has asked for.

· If all is in order, The Adjuster will study the documentation and will submit a report to THE INSURANCE COMPANY detailing the recommended settlement offer. THE INSURANCE COMPANY will advise you of the settlement offer and ask for your approval. This process would normally take about 15 days but if the claim is particularly large or complex this may take longer.

· Once the terms of the settlement offer has been discussed and agreed with you, THE INSURANCE COMPANY will prepare a Discharge Form which they will ask you to sign, prior to their transferring the claim monies within 7 days (on average).

Information / Documentation Required

Here are some examples of documents that are usually asked SERVICE INSURANCE COMPANY. This list is not binding and INSURANCE COMPANY may request other specific documents.

Buildings

· Drawings, Schematic Diagrams, Site Plans

· Contractors estimates for the repair, reconstruction, replacement of the damaged property on a like for like basis. These estimates need to be itemized to show both the cost of materials and labour costs.

· If you use your own inventory of materials you will need to provide THE INSURANCE COMPANY with invoices / requisitions etc to support this. If your own labour is used you will need to show this at cost plus any usual allowances.

· A reconstruction cost for the building may be required. Adjusters / THE INSURANCE COMPANY will usually need to check the value of the building(s) damaged to ensure that the sum insured is adequate.

Machinery

· Fixed asset list showing all machinery at the insured premise showing new market value (or original purchase cost if insured on indemnity basis). (The Loss Adjusters / THE INSURANCE COMPANY will require this to ensure the sum insured is adequate)

· Original purchase invoice for the machinery / equipment damaged (if available)

· Technical Reports detailing the cause of the loss / damage to the machinery

· If the machine can be repaired – a list of the parts required for repair, along with purchase invoices / quotation etc.

· Details of labour costs of repair work.

· Details of labour costs for installation work.

· Quotation for replacement of the machine / equipment if it cannot be repaired.

Stocks

· Stock records for the 6 months preceding the loss, showing income and outgoing stock

· Sales invoices for stocks for the 6 months preceding the loss.