Claims Handling

Claims Handling

1. Reporting Claims

• If a claim is, or could become, greater than your deductible, is complex, involves injuries, or if you are in doubt, it is best to have the claim handled by your insurer. Your insurer is an expert at investigating and settling claims.
• The following are guidelines for dealing with your insurer:

  i) If a reported incident/accident will likely result in a claim, submit a copy of the incident/accident report to your insurer.

  ii) If you receive a Statement of Claim from an injured party explaining the intent to make a claim against your organization, submit it to your insurer.

  iii) If applicable, the adjuster will provide a Proof of Loss form to be completed to demonstrate that the organization has experienced a loss.

  iv) Document all monetary costs related to the claim (repair work, hospital bills, lost income, etc.).

  v) Cooperate and communicate often with your insurer while they are handling your claim.

2. Maintain a claims record (click here for a sample).

• By keeping detailed records about claims you will be better able to track trends in loss causes, and the costs associated with them.
• Keep simple records of premiums paid, additional charges and returned premiums.