Practical guide
What to do after an incident
The right steps, in order. Take it one step at a time: the key is to throw nothing away and keep everything in writing.
This guide gives general pointers and does not constitute legal advice. The obligations and deadlines that apply are those in your policy: check them and, if in doubt, speak to your insurer, your broker or a professional.
1. In the first hours
- Make sure everyone is safe. In an emergency, call 112.
- Don't tidy or throw anything away before photographing and filming everything.
- Take steps to limit the damage (cover, lock up, turn off the water) and keep the invoices for this work.
2. Report to the police
- For theft, vandalism or damage, file a report with the police.
- Keep the receipt: it will be needed for your claim.
- List what's missing as soon as possible, even roughly.
3. Notify your insurer
- Check the reporting deadline in your policy: it is often only a few days.
- Report in writing and keep proof that you sent it.
- Ask whether a loss adjuster will visit, and don't carry out repairs before their visit without agreement.
- Depending on the event (riots, natural disaster…), specific cover or procedures may apply: check your policy.
4. Gather your evidence
- Purchase invoices for goods and equipment.
- Inventories, Z reports, POS exports and bank statements.
- Photos of your business before the incident, and your insurance policy.
5. Cost your losses
- Goods: quantities lost, valued at purchase price.
- Equipment and fittings: purchase value, and depreciation as set out in your policy.
- Business interruption: the drop in sales compared with the same period last year.
6. Look into support
- Depending on the situation, public support or relief funds may exist.
- Ask your chamber of commerce, your local council or your regional authorities.
- Your accountant can help you prepare evidence of lost business.
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