Claims preparation guide
Motor Trade Insurance Claims: What to Do After an Incident
A practical sequence for protecting people, preserving evidence and notifying the correct insurer after a motor trade loss.
Use a calm, documented process
- Protect peopleCall emergency services where needed and secure the area without putting anyone at further risk.
- Identify the policy sectionA road collision, customer vehicle damage, theft, fire, liability allegation or equipment loss may involve different sections or insurers.
- Capture evidenceTake photographs, retain CCTV, note witnesses, record vehicle details and preserve damaged property where safe.
- Limit further lossTake reasonable emergency steps, but avoid permanent repairs or disposal before agreement unless essential.
- Notify promptlyFollow the policy claims instructions and provide accurate initial facts without speculation.
- Maintain a claim fileKeep correspondence, estimates, invoices, staff notes, police references and a chronology of events.
Common claim complications
- Unreported changes to activities or premises
- Drivers outside agreed criteria
- Vehicle values above declared limits
- Missing keys or inadequate security evidence
- Late notification or discarded evidence
- Unclear customer handover records
Prepare before a loss
Create an incident form, nominate responsible staff, test CCTV retention, keep policy documents accessible and record customer vehicle condition at handover.
Focused commercial insurance guidance
Keep motor trade claims organised
A motor trade claim can involve business vehicles, customer vehicles or third parties. Good records help show who had the vehicle and what happened.
Follow the reporting rules in the policy. Keep photographs, job records and other evidence in one secure place.
- Record the incident promptly.
- Keep vehicle custody records.
- Save photographs and documents.
- Follow insurer instructions.
Good evidence can make a complex motor claim easier to handle.