Insurance Claims Support from Edison Ives

Making an insurance claim can be stressful, particularly when an incident affects your ability to operate your business.

There may be immediate practical issues to address, financial pressures to manage and important information to provide to your insurer.

Our role as your insurance broker is to help you navigate this process.

We can assist with notifying insurers, understanding the information required, communicating with relevant parties and monitoring progress throughout the claim.

Our aim is to help minimise unnecessary delays and make the process as straightforward as possible.

Claims decisions and settlement amounts remain subject to the insurer’s assessment and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.

How We Help You with an Insurance Claim

Our claims support is designed to help clients understand their position and manage the process from initial notification through to resolution.

What Should You Do When You Need to Make an Insurance Claim?

If an incident occurs, taking appropriate action promptly can help protect people, reduce further damage and support the claims process.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority should be the safety of employees, customers and anyone else affected.

Contact the emergency services where necessary and follow relevant safety procedures.

2. Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent Further Loss

Where safe and appropriate, take reasonable action to prevent additional damage.

This might include arranging emergency repairs, isolating damaged equipment or securing affected premises.

Keep records of any emergency expenditure and check insurer requirements before undertaking non-emergency repairs.

3. Record What Happened

Gather relevant information about the incident, including:

• The date and time of the incident.
• The location and circumstances.
• Photographs or videos of damage, where safe.
• Details of affected property or equipment.
• Names and contact details of relevant witnesses.
• Police or incident reference numbers, where applicable.
• Relevant invoices, receipts and other supporting records.

4. Notify the Appropriate Parties Promptly

Insurance policies contain notification requirements, and some incidents must be reported immediately or within specified timescales.

Contact Edison Ives and follow any direct insurer or emergency claims reporting instructions provided with your policy.

Do not delay urgent notification while waiting to gather every document.

5. Keep Records Throughout the Process

Retain correspondence, repair estimates, invoices, photographs and other documents relevant to the claim.

Good records can help the insurer assess the circumstances and value of the loss.

How Does the Insurance Claims Process Work?

The exact process depends on the type of claim and the insurer, but it will often involve the following stages.

Some claims are resolved relatively quickly, while complex property, liability or business interruption claims may take considerably longer.

Types of Commercial Insurance Claims We Can Assist With

We support clients with claims arising under a range of commercial insurance policies arranged through Edison Ives.

The support available will depend on the policy, the insurer and the circumstances of the claim.

Commercial Property Insurance Claims

Damage to business premises can create immediate operational and financial challenges.

Property claims may involve fire, escape of water, storm damage, theft or other insured events.

Depending on the circumstances, an insurer may require:

• Photographs of the damage.
• Details of the affected property.
• Repair or replacement estimates.
• Evidence of ownership and value.
• Maintenance and inspection records.
• Information about emergency repairs.

We can help clients understand the information requested and communicate with insurers as the claim progresses.

Where appropriate, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster or other specialist to investigate the damage.

Business Interruption Claims

Some incidents affect more than a business’s physical property.

A major fire, flood or other insured event could prevent a business from trading normally for an extended period.

Where Business Interruption Insurance applies, a claim may involve financial information such as:

• Historic turnover and trading performance.
• Management accounts.
• Gross profit calculations under the policy definition.
• Continuing business expenses.
• Additional expenditure incurred to reduce the interruption.
• Forecast trading information.

Business interruption claims can be complex because the financial loss must be assessed in accordance with the policy wording.

We can help clients understand the process and the information being requested by insurers and their appointed specialists.

Public Liability and Employers’ Liability Claims

Liability claims can arise when a business is alleged to have caused injury, illness or damage to another party’s property.

These claims may involve legal correspondence, investigations and requests for supporting evidence.

If you receive a claim or allegation:

• Notify the insurer promptly in accordance with the policy.
• Retain relevant correspondence and incident records.
• Preserve available evidence.
• Provide accurate information about the circumstances.
• Do not admit liability or agree a settlement without appropriate insurer consent.
• Forward legal correspondence promptly to the appropriate claims contact.

The insurer will assess its obligations under the policy and may appoint legal representatives or other specialists where appropriate.

We can help facilitate communication and support clients throughout the process.

What Is a Loss Adjuster?

For some insurance claims, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate the circumstances and assess the loss.

The loss adjuster’s role may include reviewing damage, examining supporting evidence and reporting findings to the insurer.

They may request access to premises, financial information, repair quotations or other relevant documentation.

A loss adjuster appointed by the insurer acts on the insurer’s behalf.

A policyholder may also choose to appoint an independent loss assessor to represent their interests, although the cost of doing so is not necessarily covered by their insurance policy.

We can help explain the roles of those involved and assist with communication during the process.

What Happens If There Is a Disagreement About a Claim?

Occasionally, disagreements arise about policy interpretation, the extent of cover, the value of a loss or the information required.

Where this happens, we can help you understand the insurer’s position and communicate relevant questions or concerns.

This may involve reviewing correspondence, clarifying policy wording or providing additional supporting information.

If a complaint cannot be resolved through the insurer’s or broker’s applicable complaints procedure, eligible complainants may be able to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

We cannot guarantee that every claim will be accepted or that every disagreement will be resolved in the policyholder’s favour.

Our aim is to provide professional support and help clients navigate the available processes.

Preparing Your Business for a Potential Insurance Claim

Good preparation can make a significant difference when an incident occurs.

Businesses should consider maintaining:

• Up-to-date asset and equipment records.
• Photographs and valuations of important property.
• Accessible copies of insurance documentation.
• Relevant maintenance and inspection records.
• Accident and incident reporting procedures.
• Business continuity arrangements.
• Suitable financial and accounting records.
• Emergency contact details.

It is also important to review insurance limits and policy conditions regularly to ensure the arrangements remain appropriate for the business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Claims

How do I make an insurance claim?

Contact Edison Ives or follow the claims notification instructions provided by your insurer. Report the incident promptly and provide the information available at the time.

How quickly should I report a claim?

As soon as possible. Some policies contain strict notification requirements, particularly for liability claims, theft and other time-sensitive incidents.

Will Edison Ives handle my claim?

We can provide broker support and assist with communication and the claims process. The insurer remains responsible for assessing claims and making decisions under the policy.

Will my insurance claim be paid?

Whether a claim is covered depends on the circumstances, the insured event and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy.

What happens if my insurer appoints a loss adjuster?

The loss adjuster may investigate the circumstances, inspect damage and request supporting information. We can help explain the process and facilitate communication.

Can I carry out repairs before the insurer inspects the damage?

Reasonable emergency action may be necessary to protect people or prevent further loss. However, non-emergency repairs should generally be discussed with the insurer first, and evidence of the original damage should be preserved where possible.

What if I disagree with the insurer’s decision?

We can help you understand the decision and communicate concerns. Formal complaints and, where eligible, referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service may also be available.

Why Choose Edison Ives for Insurance Claims Support?

We believe arranging the right insurance is only part of the service an insurance broker should provide.

When a claim occurs, clients need clear communication, practical guidance and support from people who understand their business.

Our approach focuses on:

• Personal service from your insurance broker.
• Clear communication throughout the claims process.
• Helping clients understand insurer requirements.
• Assistance with relevant documentation and correspondence.
• Following up on outstanding issues where appropriate.
• Supporting clients when claims become complex or disputed.

Part of David Roberts & Partners

Edison Ives is proud to be part of David Roberts & Partners Ltd, an independent insurance broker group.

Our group relationship supports access to wider insurance expertise while allowing us to maintain a personal approach to client relationships.

Contact Edison Ives

Call 0113 390 4646

Email info@edinsure.co.uk