At the time you wish to make a claim it will probably be at the time of some adversity - the loss or damage of an asset, or something similar, and more than likely you won't be in your normal or best frame of mind when action has to be taken.

The best way to mitigate the risk of any unpleasant issues arising at the time claims are made is to work with us, your broker. We are here to help not only in arranging cover, but also to assist when claims become necessary. We can help you correctly fill out the forms, not least of which is to identify the correct forms to fill out!

An important aspect of the insurance cover is to set out the correct value of the item or asset being insured at the time the cover is taken out. There is no fixed rule of determining this, however not only the realistic value of the cover needs to be considered but the completeness.

Completeness means not only coverage of all items which make up the cover, such as household contents - including often over-looked items such as carpets and other fixtures and fittings - it also means correctly identifying the state of repair of items or assets. Making a claim on an item which is found to be in a different state of repair than that originally described (or a lesser value) could end up with the claim being disallowed - a very undesirable outcome!

An important facet of making a claim starts at the beginning of the claims process - having the right paperwork and the current documentation to allow an assessor to do their job effectively. Keep your insurance paperwork and policy documentation in a safe place that is convenient to access so that as paperwork is renewed, it is stored along with the rest  - not left for months or years in the 'to be filed' box! Establishing a sense of order to your insurance documentation is important so that when you need it, it is a simple matter to put your hands on it; a matter requiring little thought.

Having a business or commercial claim can be very stressful. In order to make the process less so, please remember the following:

• take reasonable precautions to minimise or prevent further loss, damage, injury or illness

• notify us as soon as possible and give us all the known details of the event

• notify the police immediately following a theft or burglary or if any property is misappropriated, lost or maliciously damaged

• supply us with all the information and documentation that we will request

• if property insured is lost, stolen or damaged, you must provide proof of ownership and value of the property lost, stolen or damaged

• do not authorise the repair or replacement of anything without our agreement

• retain and preserve all damaged property for insurance company inspection prior to authorisation of repairs unless repairs are immediately necessary for safety reasons or to minimise or prevent further loss, damage or injury

• you must not admit liability for any loss, damage or injury, or settle or attempt to settle or defend any claim without our written consent

• co-operate with us fully in any investigation, defence or settlement of any claim

• immediately send us any legal documentation or other communication you receive about the claim

When filling out claims forms, you need to be as clear and precise as possible. Photographic evidence, for example, beats thousands of words. Details which might assist an assessor are usually helpful, as long as they relate directly to the current claim, and would be seen by the assessor as an aid.

At all stages of the claims process, work with and through your broker. Often this is the best way to allow you to concentrate on other pressing issues resulting from the circumstance necessitating the claim and your broker can provide assistance in all manner of insurance cover, that's what we're here for.

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