independent insurance broker
your responsibility
As an insured person you have several responsibilities that must be adhered to before, during and after an incident that you wish to make a claim against.
The repercussion of not adhering to these duties may include non or part-payment of the claim.
The onus of proof rests on you when notifying an insurer of a possible claim; this may be in the form of a purchase receipt, repair estimate or bank statement. In most instances the completing of a claim form will provide the insurer with enough evidence to initiate the claims procedure.
A claim is only valid if you comply with the following duties, as well as those written into your contract of insurance:
- you should take reasonable steps to minimise loss,
- you should contact the appropriate authorities i.e. calling the fire brigade or police,
- you must take steps to prevent a loss from spreading,
- you must not hinder the insurers claims investigation process.
Unlike personal injury claims, most general insurance claims must be notified within a reasonable timescale from the date of loss.
