If someone alleges you’ve caused damage or loss, contact us before responding
Liability matters are different from most other insurance claims.
Whether you’ve caused or believe you may have caused injury, property damage or financial loss – or someone has contacted you alleging you have – the way you respond in the early stages can affect both your legal position and your insurance cover.
If you’ve received a complaint, demand for compensation, lawyer’s letter, court documents, or become aware of circumstances that could reasonably lead to a claim, contact us as soon as possible.
Our experienced claims team will help you understand your obligations, advise you on the next appropriate steps and, where required, notify your insurer on your behalf.
We’ll support you throughout the notification and claims process, working with your insurer to help achieve the best possible outcome.
When should you contact us?
Contact us as soon as possible if:
- You’ve caused, or believe you may have caused, injury to another person.
- You’ve caused, or believe you may have caused, damage to someone else’s property.
- Someone contacts you alleging you’ve caused injury, property damage or financial loss.
- You receive a complaint, demand for compensation or lawyer’s letter.
- You receive a legal document, such as a Statement of Claim.
- You become aware of circumstances that you think could reasonably lead to a claim.
If you’re unsure whether something should be reported, it’s best to contact us early. We can help determine whether notification to your insurer is appropriate.
What should you do?
If a liability incident occurs or someone makes an allegation against you:
- Contact us as soon as possible.
- Keep copies of all letters, emails, text messages and other correspondence relating to the matter.
- Make a record of what happened while the details are still fresh.
- Take photographs and retain any relevant documents or evidence.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent any further loss or damage where it is safe to do so.
If you receive legal documents, such as a Statement of Claim, contact us immediately and forward them to us without delay.
What should you avoid?
Until you’ve spoken with us or your insurer, you should generally avoid:
- Admitting fault or accepting liability.
- Offering compensation or agreeing to pay for any damage or loss.
- Negotiating directly with the person making the claim.
- Signing settlement agreements or other legal documents.
- Disposing of or altering evidence that may be relevant to the claim.
A well-intentioned apology or attempt to resolve the situation yourself may have unintended consequences. If you’re unsure what to say or do, contact us.
Why early notification matters
Many liability insurance policies, including Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Directors and Officers Liability (D&O), Management Liability, Cyber Liability and Statutory Liability contain specific notification requirements.
Some policies operate on a claims-made basis, meaning the timing of when a claim – or even circumstances that may give rise to a claim – is first notified can be critical to whether your insurance responds.
Even if you’re unsure whether a matter is likely to become a claim, it’s best to notify us early so we can advise you about what’s required – if anything – and how to proceed.
Our claims team can help determine whether notification to your insurer is made correctly and within the required timeframes.
Need advice or want to notify us of a liability matter?
If you’ve caused or think you may have caused injury or damage, received a complaint or demand for compensation – or you’re simply unsure whether something should be reported – please contact us as soon as possible.
The earlier we’re involved, the sooner we can help protect your interests and support you through the notification and claims process.
