To reduce the overall time it takes to reach settlement of a claim and therefore minimise disruption to your business please supply as much information as possible when reporting your claim. If the claim relates to a theft or malicious damage to your property, it must be reported to the police and a crime reference number obtained before the claim can proceed.

Damage to Buildings

If the damage is affecting the security of your building please proceed to make necessary like for like repairs or temporary repairs to maintain the security of your property. All invoices for emergency works should be retained and submitted as part of your claim.

For non-emergency works insurers will usually ask you to supply two estimates for their approval. Please ensure estimates supplied contain a detailed breakdown explaining the work required. This will help insurers authorise repairs more quickly without further referrals to you.

Damage, theft or loss of contents

Where possible please supply original documentation, such as receipts, instruction manuals or photographs to show make, model and cost as well as proof of ownership for items which have been stolen or damaged beyond repair.

Photographs of the damage (where applicable) will also be required.

Do not dispose of items without your insurer’s permission, as they may appoint a loss adjuster to visit you and the loss adjuster may want to see the items.

Please provide replacement or repair quotations for each item for insurers to authorise. Where money has been stolen, please supply accounts and receipts which can evidence the amount stolen.

Major loss

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a major loss we will arrange to manage the claim alongside a dedicated loss adjuster with the appropriate knowledge and experience to effectively deal with all aspects of the claim and keep you fully informed along the way.

As owner of your nursery business and an employer of staff you have a legal responsibility towards your employees, the children in your care and the public. The Employers’ and Public Liability sections of your policy provide cover for your legal liability for injury or property damage sustained by a third party as a result of a careless or negligent act of your business.

Legal liability claims will often need investigating by your insurers so it is important that we are advised as soon as possible following an incident so that your insurers can best protect your interests.

An injured person (or their legal guardian in the case of an injured child) will often appoint legal representation to act on their behalf. Please do not acknowledge or answer any correspondence without contacting us first. Instead please forward any correspondence to us so that we can pass to your insurers to enable them to respond on your behalf.

If there has been a serious incident at your setting you may need immediate support to protect your interests. This could include managing negative publicity and/or interest from the media. Don’t forget that your policy provides you with access to 24-hour Crisis Communication support. Click here to for details.

If you have any concerns following an incident at your nursery please call us for advice and guidance on any procedures you should follow.

Important documents your insurers will need:

• Accident book entry completed and signed;
• RIDDOR report (if applicable i.e. 3 day injuries, fractures, burns etc.);
• OFSTED (or other registering authority i.e. Care Commission) report if applicable;
• Witness statements taken and signed by the individual and manger or owner;
• Any risk assessment material relating to an area where the incident occurred or the type of activity involved;
• Copies of any correspondence between you and the child’s parents.
• Through thorough investigation insurers will decide whether you have any legal liability for the claim. They will then discuss their findings with you and agree a strategy for managing the claim before proceeding with the third party.

After a decision is made insurers will handle the claim on your behalf. You will not be required to do anything further.

Liability claims can take many months or sometimes years to conclude. We will keep you up to date with any significant developments as they occur but if you have any questions on the progress of a liability claim please get in touch.

The Commercial Legal Expenses section of your policy is provided by ARAG plc. In the event of a valid claim under the policy ARAG will appoint a solicitor that specialises in the particular area of law the issue concerns.

All claims to ARAG should be submitted via their standard claim form. A copy can be obtained from their website or by calling on 0117 917 1698.

Here is a video explaining what to do in the event of a legal expenses claim: