Can you help with a risk assessment for my business?
Yes, a professional insurance broker can assist with risk assessments to identify potential hazards, assess exposure, and recommend ways to reduce risk. This might include evaluating your physical premises, health and safety procedures, cyber security, fleet operations, or employee practices. By understanding your risk profile, we can help you avoid claims and reduce premiums. Many insurers now require formal risk assessments as part of their underwriting process—especially for high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing. We also help prepare your business for insurer inspections by highlighting gaps in protection and compliance. A well-conducted risk assessment isn’t just about meeting insurance requirements—it can improve business operations and protect your reputation. Working with a broker ensures the process is tailored to your business type, size, and location—whether you’re a small office in Birmingham or a multi-site company across the Midlands.
How do I make a claim through my insurance broker?
Making a claim through your broker is straightforward and can help speed up the process. Start by contacting your broker immediately after an incident—whether it’s property damage, a liability issue, or an injury claim. We’ll help you gather the necessary documentation (photos, reports, witness statements) and submit a claim to your insurer on your behalf. Your broker acts as your advocate, helping you understand policy wording, timeframes, and any excess that may apply. We’ll also liaise with loss adjusters or claims handlers if needed and keep you updated on the claim’s progress. Using a broker means you’re not alone during what can be a stressful time. Our goal is to make sure your claim is processed fairly and efficiently, so you can get back to running your business with minimal disruption.
What information do I need to provide for a claim?
When making a claim, insurers typically require:
A detailed description of the incident (what happened, when, where, and how)
Photos or videos of any damage or loss
Receipts or valuations for stolen or damaged items
Witness statements, if relevant
Police reports for theft, vandalism, or other criminal activity
Medical reports in the case of injury
Providing this information clearly and promptly can speed up the process and improve your chances of a successful claim. A broker will help you organise and present this evidence effectively and liaise with your insurer to clarify details. It’s important to keep records of all communications and updates. The more accurate and complete your documentation is, the smoother the claims experience will be.
How long does it take for a claim to be processed?
The time it takes to process a claim varies depending on its complexity and the responsiveness of all parties involved. Simple property or equipment claims may be resolved within a few days to a week if all documentation is in order. More complex cases—such as liability claims, business interruption, or injury claims—can take several weeks or longer. Using a broker helps avoid delays, as we ensure your paperwork is correct and your case is handled proactively. We follow up with insurers on your behalf and provide regular updates. If a loss adjuster is involved, we assist with appointments and documentation. Being prompt and clear in your communications also helps speed things up. While exact timelines differ by insurer, our aim is always to resolve claims as quickly and fairly as possible.
Will making a claim affect my premium?
Yes, in most cases, making a claim can impact your insurance premium at your next renewal. Insurers may view a claim as an increased risk, especially if the same type of incident has occurred before. The extent of the increase depends on factors like the size of the claim, your claims history, and the type of insurance. Some policies offer no-claims discounts or claims forgiveness, particularly in fleet and property cover, which can help reduce the impact. A broker can advise whether it’s worth claiming or if the cost is lower than your policy excess. We can also help explain the reason for any premium changes and negotiate with insurers to keep costs manageable. Preventative steps and risk improvements following a claim can also demonstrate good management and help keep premiums under control.
Can you advise on reducing insurance costs through better security?
Absolutely. One of the best ways to reduce insurance premiums is to improve your business’s security and risk management. For physical premises, this may include installing monitored alarms, CCTV, secure locking systems, and fire prevention measures. For cyber security, using multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and regular data backups can make a difference. If you operate a fleet, telematics and driver training can help lower risk. Demonstrating that you’ve taken steps to mitigate risks often results in lower premiums or improved cover terms. Your broker can conduct a security review and advise what measures will be most effective for your business type and industry. Not only does this reduce costs, but it also reduces the chance of having to claim in the first place.
Do you assist with disputed or denied claims?
Yes, one of the key advantages of working with a broker is having support if a claim is disputed or denied. We act on your behalf, reviewing your policy wording, checking for valid grounds to challenge the decision, and liaising with the insurer or underwriter directly. If needed, we escalate the issue or help you access formal complaints procedures or independent ombudsman services. Our goal is to ensure claims are assessed fairly and that insurers honour valid policies. In some cases, disputes arise from miscommunication or missing information, which we help clarify and correct. Having a broker in your corner makes the process far less stressful and improves your chances of a favourable outcome. We work with you until the issue is resolved or all appeal options are exhausted.
What support do you provide during a business interruption?
During a business interruption, we assist with assessing your cover, supporting your claim, and helping you get back to operational status. We’ll work closely with you to understand the impact of the disruption—whether from fire, flood, equipment failure, or other causes—and guide you through your business interruption insurance claim. This includes calculating lost revenue, helping with temporary premises or equipment solutions, and liaising with loss adjusters and insurers. We also provide advice on managing staff and clients during the downtime. Our goal is to minimise financial loss and help you resume operations as quickly as possible. A solid business continuity plan, supported by the right insurance, makes a huge difference in how quickly you can recover.
Can you help me review claims history from a previous provider?
Yes, we can review your historical claims data, even if it’s from another insurer or broker. Understanding your claims history is vital for assessing future risks, identifying recurring issues, and improving your insurance profile. We analyse the types of claims made, frequency, causes, and any patterns that could be addressed through better risk management or policy adjustments. This review helps us present your business in a more favourable light to insurers and negotiate better rates. It’s also useful when switching insurers or consolidating cover. If your previous provider was slow to respond or unclear, we’ll help clarify what happened and how to improve things going forward. Our role is to help you learn from the past to better protect your future.
