To Report a Liability Claim
When reporting a liability claim, it is important to remember that there are (3) types of liability claims. The key to successful reporting is to properly identify which type of liability claim you are reporting when you begin your call.
Suggested Steps: Use the following helpful hints to help identify the type of General Liability claim you are reporting.
Products Liability
Injury to a person or damage to property (other then property owned by
the Insured) which was caused by a product YOU manufacture or distribute or
food poisoning allegations stemming from a food product you manufacture
or distribute.
IMPORTANT!
SAVE THE PRODUCT INVOLVED FOR INSPECTION
DO NOT DESTROY
Slip - Trip or Fall
A person (other than an employee) slips, trips or falls on property you
own or are responsible for.
IMPORTANT!
ADDRESS ANY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY.
DOCUMENT ALL FACTS REGARDING ANY INCIDENT
Other Liability A claim for injury or property damage to others that does not fall within the above (2) scenarios , e.g.:
- a box falls from a shelf and strikes a customer
- a customer claims libel or slander
- a shopping cart damages a customer's vehicle
- virtually any other allegation of negligence
Use the Liability Telephone Reporting Guide and telephone worksheet (.pdf) as a reference. The terms requested under "Account Information" and "Accident Information" will differ depending on which type of liability claim you are reporting. The remaining information collected is generic for all Liability claims.
Worksheets are provided for your convenience in gathering information. It is not necessary to write answers to questions you know, it is a tool to help reduce the amount of time you are on the telephone and to give you an easy place to collect information.
Remember, the objective is to report the claim quickly. Try to gather as much information as possible, but don't worry if you do not have the answers to each and every question.
Click here for a list of claim reporting numbers and websites for each company we represent.