Claims guide
Check your policy schedule, notify your insurer promptly, and keep site records from day one.
If something has gone wrong — tools stolen from a van, damage at a client’s property, an injury on site, or loss during a contract — follow the notification process in your policy wording and schedule.
Every policy differs by insurer, excess and claims route. This guide describes the usual process for construction trades but your own policy documents are definitive. For general terms, see the BIS-Nationwide insurance glossary.
Locate your schedule and policy booklet. These tell you:
If you cannot find these details, contact Tradesman Insurance 4u and we will help you identify the correct insurer or claims contact.
People come first. Isolate hazards, evacuate if needed, and call emergency services. Do not restart damaged plant, scaffolding or electrics until inspected.
Most policies require notification as soon as reasonably practicable, using the process set out in your wording.
Contact your insurer or their claims handler directly using the details on your schedule. Have ready your policy number, site address, date of incident, and a factual description.
Do not admit liability to third parties. If you are unsure which number to use, check your schedule first, then contact us.
Your policy wording describes your duty to minimise loss — for example boarding up after break-ins, tarping damaged roofs, and protecting materials from weather. Keep receipts for emergency make-safe work.
After notification, the insurer or their claims handlers may appoint loss adjusters or investigators. Deal with them directly and answer questions honestly. Your policy excess applies where stated on your schedule.
For fire, flood, storm or damage during a contract, follow the make-safe and reinstatement process in your policy wording and log programme delays and extra costs from day one where contract works cover applies.
Report theft to police immediately and obtain a crime reference before or as part of notifying the insurer, as your wording requires. List stolen items with proof of ownership and note how tools were stored — your policy may specify security conditions.
When a member of the public or an employee alleges injury:
Public liability covers third parties; employers’ liability covers employees — confirm which section applies in your wording.
Declare claims accurately at renewal as required on your renewal statement. If you are unsure whether something should be notified, check your schedule first, then contact us or read our FAQs.
If you cannot find your policy documents or are unsure who to notify, we can help you identify the correct claims route for your policy.