Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Reporting the Incident Quickly
If something goes wrong on a job, your first step is to tell your insurer as soon as possible. This applies whether it’s damage to property, an injured third party or theft of tools. Time is important. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove what happened or gather evidence. If a crime has occurred, such as theft or vandalism, you should also report it to the police and get a crime reference number.
Gathering the Right Evidence
The insurer will want to see what happened. This might include photos of the site, the damage, the tools involved, or any injuries if someone was hurt. You should also write down exactly what happened and collect any witness statements if others saw the event. Keep hold of receipts or invoices for any equipment involved. If you have a tool cover claim, proof of ownership will usually be needed.
Understanding What You Are Covered For
This is the point where having the right tradesmen insurance policy makes all the difference. For example, some tool insurance policies exclude overnight storage in vans unless you have extra security measures in place. Some public liability claims may not be covered if you were working above your specified height, e.g. as a tree surgeon or roofer or if the damage was caused by someone subcontracting for you. Always read your policy documents before making a claim so you know what to expect.
The Claims Process
Once you have submitted your claim, the insurer will usually assign a claims handler to work through the details. You may be asked to get repair estimates, provide supporting documents or answer follow-up questions. Most insurers try to deal with straightforward claims quickly, especially if the evidence is clear and the event is clearly within your cover. For serious incidents such as injury claims, the insurer may appoint a legal team to manage the process and protect you from personal liability.
Will Making a Claim Affect Your Premium?
It is a common worry among tradesmen that making a claim will push premiums up. In some cases, this is true, especially if you have multiple claims over a short period. However, if the claim is genuine and one-off, that is what the insurance is for. You should not avoid claiming for something serious just to protect your renewal price. That said, if the cost is below your excess or something minor, you may want to deal with it privately.
Helpful Links and Further Advice
If you want to understand more about what your policy includes, or how to avoid common problems with claims, visit our tradesmen insurance page. You might also want to read our guide to tool insurance or get advice on van cover for tradesmen to protect the equipment and vehicles that keep your business running.