Claims
A claim has arrived. What next?
A short, practical note for professionals receiving a claim or letter of complaint. None of this is a substitute for advice — but it should buy you the right first hour.
In the first hour
Five things to do.
- Preserve the file. Do not edit, annotate or destroy any documents — paper or electronic.
- Identify the relevant policy year and policy wording. The notification regime is in the policy.
- Notify your insurer or broker in writing. Late notification can compromise coverage.
- Keep correspondence with the claimant factual and brief. Do not admit liability.
- Centralise responsibility. Nominate one person within the firm to handle the matter.
How we help
From notification onwards.
- We can help you prepare a notification that fairly presents the position to insurers.
- We can advise on whether a matter is a claim or a circumstance — the distinction matters.
- We can liaise with your broker and insurer to keep the conversation focused.
- We can act in defence from the first letter onwards.
Urgent
If a claim has just landed, call us.
We will speak with you the same working day and, where instructed, will help you frame an initial notification within hours.
Contact
Speak to a specialist.
Direct lines to partners. Initial conversations are confidential and without obligation.