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.