{"id":7158,"date":"2025-04-30T11:42:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T10:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7158"},"modified":"2025-10-22T11:54:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T10:54:08","slug":"what-happens-when-i-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/what-happens-when-i-claim","title":{"rendered":"How business insurance claims work"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"With<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It’s likely, at some point, you’ve thought about the logistics of how business insurance claims work. After all, it’s only at that point you’ll find out just how good your insurance really is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fair enough. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, it’s not good news 100 per cent of the time. For various reasons, it’s not always the case that claims can<\/em> be paid. That makes understanding the whys and wherefores of the business insurance claims process important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing what’s involved can help you be prepared. It’ll help answer those nagging questions. Questions like: how long does it take? What does it cost? What information do I need? Who do I talk to? Is there anyone on my side?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early warning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unless there\u2019s an accident, like a burst pipe or a break-in, an insurance claim will rarely come out of the blue. It\u2019s more likely there\u2019ll be some warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could be your client hasn\u2019t paid your invoice and you\u2019ve had to chase them for payment. Next, a stiffly worded letter from their solicitor arrives, demanding compensation for a job badly done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or you might cotton on much later, as can happen with architects\u2019 claims<\/a>. With claims like these, just one simple incorrect measurement can lead to a pile-up of problems years down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, each claim starts with <\/strong>you. Even if you\u2019re not sure if you have a claim, you should get in touch with your insurer or broker at the very first signs of trouble brewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A step-by-step guide to making business insurance claims<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take an accusation of negligence<\/a> as an example for what happens during the whole business insurance claims process. (That’s where an alleged failure in your professional service causes your client a financial loss.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve wrapped up a project for your client. Things haven\u2019t exactly gone to plan. Miscommunication was rife, deadlines were missed\u2026next, you get the email you\u2019ve been dreading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m unhappy with how this has gone. I\u2019m going to have to escalate this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cue the clammy hands and racing heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, sticking your head in the sand isn\u2019t an option. You have to do something. Like pick up the phone to your insurer or broker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delaying your call, for whatever reason, could mean unnecessary worrying. Plus, it increases the chances of your claim being turned down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late notification is a common reason for insurers refusing business insurance claims \u2013 especially if it’s to do with a \u2018claims made\u2019 policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re worried about being judged or penalised for claiming, don’t be. You won’t be charged, and claiming doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay more at renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: initial checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now you\u2019ve spoken to your insurer and got the ball rolling with your claim, the underwriter runs a few checks to make sure your policy’s valid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most good insurers assume a claim’s valid from the off. That’s a good thing \u2013 a claim against you and your business is unsettling at the very least. The last thing you need is an insurer looking for an ‘out’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are a few circumstances which could invalidate your insurance from the very start. Like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n