Claims
Being there for our clients at the time of a claim is probably the most vital role our advisors at BFrank Insurance can play. At times the claims process can be long and complex. Still, at BFrank Insurance, we work closely with our clients and insurer partners across Australia to make this process as simple and efficient as possible for you – ensuring you are back in business or on the road sooner!
Our Claims Management Philosophy
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Act fairly in the interests of our clients in the event of a claim
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Assist our clients in the claim's lodgement process through to the finalisation of the claim
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Assist our clients in understanding overly complex policy interpretations
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Assist our clients in reducing the cost and the number of claims through effective risk management strategies
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Provide 24-hour emergency claims assistance where required
How Claims Are Managed
In the event of the claim, we will:
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Assist our clients in lodging claims and maintain communication every step of the way
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Advocate and negotiate with an insurer on behalf of our clients to ensure they receive their full entitlements
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Arrange for a loss assessor to be appointed where required
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Arrange expert consultants, including legal and accounting services where needed
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Arrange access to risk management services to assist in the prevention or mitigation of future loss
Steps to Making a Claim
Some initial steps you can take include:
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Take photos of the incident
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Get witnesses' details
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Take all reasonable steps to minimise the loss/damage and protect your property if needed
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Notify the Police if burglary or theft is involved
Claims Procedures
Get to Know The Process
BFrank Insurance's claims process is designed to complement the careful planning of your Insurance Program. It is obviously necessary that in the event of an incident that will or may give rise to a claim, a procedure must be adopted for the proper and expeditious conduct of the claim.
By carefully following this procedure, the impact on your business operations will be minimised.
There are a number of steps which must be taken immediately:
1. Report the incident to BFrank Insurance Brokers (or your insurer) by telephone, facsimile or email, wherever practicable, within 24 hours of the incident.
2. Regardless of whether or not the claim has been reported or a loss assessor appointed, you must immediately do whatever is necessary to prevent further loss of life or property damage. For example:
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Call the fire brigade, ambulance, police or other appropriate emergency services
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If during business hours, ensure the evacuation, if necessary, of staff and neighbors
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If critical machinery fails, commence investigations to locate replacement plant or services
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Have a security company install boarding over smashed windows and, if appropriate, employ an overnight security watchman
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Remove property that is exposed to further loss or damage to a more secure place if possible
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Providing no danger to life or limb is involved, ensure the safe removal and storage of vital business records
3. Complete all claims documentation as soon as practicable (ensuring your ABN No. and Input Tax Credit entitlement are included) and forward to BFrank Insurance Brokers with any supporting documents.
4. Whatever the circumstances of the incident, do not admit liability even if you think you are at fault.
Your Insurer is entitled to deny a claim or pay a reduced amount if statements made by you or your employees prejudice the insurer's position.
It is impossible to give guidelines for procedures to follow in every claim, simply because of the nature of accidents:
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They cannot be predicted
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They do not follow set patterns
However, the above general procedures can be relied upon to cover most circumstances.
Help When You Need It
BFrank Insure understands that incidents can arise at any time, even the most inconvenient ones. If you've had an emergency, please contact one of our partners below for immediate assistance anywhere in Australia. Once the situation is under control, the dedicated advisors at BFrank are here to help you navigate the claims process.
Our Emergency Contacts
INSURANCE ADVISERNET 24/7 EMERGENCY CLAIMS RESPONSE
Insurance Advisernet provides 24/7 emergency building services to ensure your property is safe and protected after an accident. The 24/7 service provides you with make-safe, restoration, blazing/shuttering and flooring services.
O'BRIEN GLASS WITH CARE
Glass Emergency? We recommend O'Briens Glass for all your glass repair and replacement needs. Hassle free insurance claims – Over 50 insurance brands use O'Briens as their preferred vehicle glass repair specialist.