It is a condition of all insurance policies that incidents that may result in claims are reported to insurers without delay. If such incidents are not reported within an acceptable time-scale (usually 30 days from the time of the incident) your insurers may refuse to indemnify you. Accordingly, In the event of a claim in relation to a commercial business policy you should contact your Lycetts account executive/handler as soon as possible.

That said, the following notes are intended to assist you in taking the appropriate action to ensure your claims are dealt with as quickly as possible: -

Injury to employees or third parties

• Serious injuries or fatalities must be reported immediately by telephone to allow your insurers the opportunity to commence investigations.
• A claim form should be completed as quickly as possible and forwarded to Lycetts, together with any correspondence received from claimants or their representatives.
• Do not enter into correspondence with claimants or their representatives except to acknowledge receipt of correspondence.
• Any incidents resulting in employee absence for more than 3 days should be reported as quickly as possible
• If a writ or summons is received it must be forwarded to Lycetts immediately.

Damage to third party property

• All damage should be reported as quickly as possible with serious incidents reported by telephone.
• A claim form should be completed and forwarded to Lycetts, together with any correspondence received.
• Do not enter into correspondence with claimants or their representatives except to acknowledge receipt of correspondence.
• If a writ or summons is received it must be forwarded to Lycetts immediately.

Loss or damage to own property

• Incidents where the damage is likely to exceed £1,000 should be reported by telephone to enable insurers to attend on site if required.
• A claim form should be completed and forwarded to Lycetts.
• Supporting documentation should be forwarded as quickly as possible to substantiate the loss.

Personal accident & sickness

• Serious injuries or fatalities must be reported immediately by telephone to enable your insurers to investigate should they wish. It is not acceptable to wait until the claimant has returned to work.
• Minor injuries should be reported as soon as possible.
• A claim form should be completed and forwarded to Lycetts.
• Wages details and copy sick notes should be forwarded without delay so as not to prejudice interim payments.

Motor accidents

At the scene of the accident you should:

1. Exchange names, addresses and insurance details with all ofthe parties involved.
2. Obtain the names and addresses of any independent witnesses
3. Refrain from any admission of liability.

• A claim form should be completed for all claims, whether your vehicle is damaged or not.
• Where damage is caused to your vehicle, you are responsible for your policy excess and you will be expected to pay this sum to the garage in addition to the VAT.
• If the vehicle is still safe to drive please obtain a repair estimate and advise Lycetts when the vehicle is going into the repairers, allowing sufficient time to arrange an inspection if necessary.
• If the vehicle is not safe to drive please obtain a repair estimate and advise Lycetts where the vehicle is so that an inspection can be arranged.
• If the vehicle is beyond economical repair a cash value is agreed with you based on the market value of the vehicle at the time of the loss. In these circumstances, insurers will require the original log book, valid MOT certificate and any spare keys.
• If you need to hire alternative transport you must mitigate your losses, keeping such costs to a minimum. Lycetts will attempt to recover uninsured losses from the third party if they are legally responsible.
• When someone claims against you send all correspondence to Lycetts without delay.

If your driver is to be prosecuted for an offence following an accident send a copy of the summons to Lycetts (in most circumstances your insurance company will be prepared to defend the action on your behalf and pay costs incurred with their consent).

General

• When completing claim forms, ensure the whole form is completed as far as possible and it is signed on your behalf or your company's behalf by an authorised person.

Require more information? email info@lycetts.co.uk