If something has gone wrong at your business, we’re here to help you report it and take the next step.
We’ll guide you and help you report the claim in the right way. Use the sections below to find what applies to your situation:
What to do if something has gone wrong
Your safety always comes first.
If anyone gets hurt or there is an immediate risk, call the emergency services straight away. Once everyone is safe, take simple steps to prevent more damage but only if it’s safe to do so.
-
Make the situation safe
If it’s safe, switch off gas, water, or electricity where needed.
-
Secure the area
For example, lock doors, shut gates, and restrict access if there’s a risk to people.
-
Limit further damage
Move undamaged items out of harm’s way if you can do so safely.
Try not to: carry out permanent repairs or throw away damaged items, unless they create a safety risk and you need to remove them.
Contact the police if: there has been theft, vandalism or malicious damage, someone gets hurt, or you think a crime has been committed.
If you’re not sure whether to involve the police, we can talk it through with you.
What types of business claims you can make
Business insurance can cover many different situations. You may be able to claim if your business has had:
Damage to property or assets
- Fire
- Storm or flood
- Escape of water (such as a burst pipe)
- Subsidence
- Lightning
- Accidental damage to buildings, contents, or equipment
Theft or malicious damage
- Stolen stock, tools, or equipment
- Deliberate damage to your premises
Stock or equipment failure
- Stock damaged after a fridge or freezer failure
- Equipment breakdown that causes damage to items
Injury or damage involving other people
Claims made against your business if:
- Someone gets hurt
- Their property gets damaged
(For example, public liability or employers’ liability claims.)
Professional or financial loss
- Professional advice you have given
- Services you have provided
- Financial loss caused by an error or mistake
Business vehicles or fleets
- Vans
- Cars
- Fleet vehicles
That you use and insure for business.
Loss of income after insured damage
If damage to your premises or key equipment means you:
- Cannot trade as normal; or
- Have to close for a period
You may be able to claim for loss of income.
What information to gather before you start
You don’t need all the details to report a claim. But having some basics can help things move more smoothly.
Your policy details
- Policy number (if you have it)
- Business name and main contact details
When and where
- When the incident happened
- Where it happened (premises, site address, or on the road)
Photos
- Damage, affected items, and the surrounding area (if safe)
Items and costs
- What’s been damaged, lost, or stolen
- Rough values, receipts, or serial numbers (if available)
People involved
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Details of any third parties (if relevant)
Police reference (if applicable)
- Reference number, station, and officer details (if you have them)
If you don’t have everything yet, that’s fine. You can still report the claim and we can collect missing details later.
How to report a claim
We’ll help you report your claim in the right way for your policy and insurer. Use the options below, based on which insurer covers your business.
NFU Mutual
- Tell us what happened in your own words
- If it’s outside office hours, you can leave a message or submit the form
- A 24-hour helpline is available for urgent support
Intact Insurance Channel Islands
Complete the claim form and then:
- Guernsey: claims@islands.gg
- Jersey: claims@islands.je
Aviva
For Aviva policies, claims are usually reported directly to Aviva.
- Visit the Aviva website; or
- Use the claims contact numbers shown in your policy documents
Other insurers
If your policy is with another insurer, contact them using the claims details in your policy documents.
If you can’t find your documents, we can help you.
If your situation involves a legal dispute or disagreement
If your policy has Legal Expenses cover, you may be able to get expert legal advice and help. Check your policy documents for “Legal Expenses” or “ARAG”.
ARAG Small Business Legal Expenses
If you have a legal dispute (for example, with a customer, supplier, or about an employment matter):
- Check your policy documents to see if you have Small Business Legal Expenses cover.
- If you’re covered, follow ARAG’s instructions to get legal advice or make a legal expenses claim.
ARAG Commercial Property Owners Legal Expenses
If you have a legal problem about a commercial property, such as a dispute with a tenant:
- Check your policy documents to see if you have Commercial Property Owners Legal Expenses cover.
- If you’re covered, follow ARAG’s instructions to report your legal matter and get help.
ARAG Commercial Motor Legal Expenses
If your issue involves legal costs after a commercial motor incident (for example, recovering uninsured losses):
- Check your policy documents to see if you have Commercial Motor Legal Expenses cover.
- If you’re covered, follow ARAG’s instructions to get advice or make a legal expenses claim.
💡 Tip
If you’re not sure whether your situation is a claim or a legal matter, contact us first and we’ll guide you to the right support.
⚠️ Important
Legal Expenses cover is separate from standard property or liability cover. Always check your policy documents to confirm what applies.