|
Although the thought of an accident is unpleasant, they do happen.
Insurance is one way to make sure that any eventualities can be dealt with in
the best possible manner. Making a claim on your policy is the only way to deal
with business emergencies. When you initially receive your insurance policy you should have a
clear description of the risks that it covers. Before calling up the insurer to
make a claim check that the policy covers the loss or damage suffered. If you
are uncertain, call your insurer's helpline. What policy to claim on?As a business you
will have various forms of insurance, so it is important to decide which policy
to claim under - there may be cases when you will have two policies that you
could legitimately use. For instance, if your property is ruined because of torrential rain
or a storm you could claim on your buildings, Acts of God and business
interruption policies. However, claiming on one may mean that the premiums the
following year rise dramatically whereas on another the impact may be
minimal. Who to contact Next call up the insurance
provider and ask for a claims form. There should be a phone number on the
policy documentation. Complete the form as soon as possible, including - if
possible - estimates on replacement, repair and loss of revenue. If you feel that you are the victim of a crime - theft, vandalism or
sabotage - you must also contact the police as soon as possible. If it is necessary to get repairs done straight away in order to
resume business and prevent further damage, arrange for the work to be done and
keep all the bills. These costs will probably be considered as part of the
claim. The majority of insurance companies have 24 hour emergency telephone
lines if immediate work is needed to get your business up and running again.
They will be able to give you names of recommended tradespeople for emergency
repairs, as well as advice on how to make a claim with them. Claim settlementOnce the insurance company
has received your estimates it will either pay your claim, arrange for an
inspector to visit the company or send a loss adjuster to handle the whole
claim. Generally there is no need for you to appoint someone to represent your
claim.
| 
