CLAIMS


General Claims Guidelines


To compliment the careful planning in arranging your insurance protection, it is necessary that in the event of an incident which will or may give rise to a claim, a standard procedure is implemented for the correct and efficient processing of your claim. By carefully following these guidelines, the impact on your business or you personally will be minimised. There are number of steps which must be taken immediately:

1. Report the incident to NEIB by telephone, facsimile or email, wherever practicable, within 24 hours of the incident. Feel free to download our Claims Form - click here.

2. Regardless of whether or not the claim has been reported or a loss assessor appointed, you must immediately do whatever is necessary to prevent further injury, loss of life or property damage. For example:

 

  • Call the fire brigade, ambulance, police or other appropriate emergency service. Dial 000.

  • If during business hours, ensure the evacuation, if necessary, of family, personnel and if applicable, neighbours.

  • If critical machinery fails, commence investigations to locate replacement plant or services.

  • Have boarding installed over smashed windows and, if appropriate, employ an overnight security watchman.

  • Remove property which is exposed to further loss or damage to a more secure place if possible.

  • Providing no danger is involved, ensure the safe removal and storage of vital business records and equipment.

 

3. Complete all claims documentation as soon as possible (ensuring your ABN and Input Tax Credit entitlement are included where applicable) and forward to NEIB with any supporting documents. Some insurance companies no longer require you to complete a written claim form for home, motor vehicle and business insurance and these claims can be lodged over the telephone. We will advise you if there is a specific claim form for your incident and supply it to you.

4. Whatever the circumstances of the incident, DO NOT ADMIT LIABILITY EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU ARE AT FAULT. Your Insurer is entitled to avoid paying a claim or pay a reduced amount if statements made by you or your employees prejudice the Insurer’s position.

It is impossible to give specific advice here to follow for every claim, simply because of the nature of accidents as they cannot be predicted and never follow set patterns.

However, these guidelines can be relied upon to cover most circumstances.

Remember, call us if you have any questions – we’re here to help you.