Fast track your claims and avoid rejection with these 13 top tips

When life happens and you must claim, you want the matter to be settled swiftly so that you can return to normal.

At Ibiliti, we make it simple for you to get back to business ASAP.

Use the latest video technology

If you use our latest video technology to record an incident, we will not request a claim form to be completed for claims less than R30 000, unless a third party is involved.

The world-leading First Notification of Loss and Make Safe LiveLogik app makes it possible for our customers, suppliers and service providers to stream live video, photos and reports to the desktops of our claims team during quoting, inspections or service calls.

As you know, at Ibiliti we love technology and are always looking for ways to make life easier and better for our clients and business partners. This live video collaboration solution is revolutionising the claims process in property and motor claims all over the world. And we are part of it!

Remember these facts about claims?

Just to make sure that we are on the same page, we would like to remind you of the following facts about claims:

  1. Insurable interest
    For a claim to be paid you (the policyholder) must have an insurable interest in the items covered by your insurance. Your policy does not cover items that don’t belong to you unless you expressly agreed to in writing and your insurance contract has been amended.Tip: Have proof of ownership documents ready when you claim.
  2. Report your claim immediately
    It is a condition of the policy that you must report any discovery of any loss covered immediately. If you do not report a claim to us immediately it may be perceived that you have not taken all reasonable precautions and care to prevent or minimise loss, damage, death, injury or liability. Any claim where you have been grossly negligent and infringed on our rights to take appropriate action may result in the rejection of a claim.Tip: Report all claims within 24 hours.
  3. How to complete your claim formYou must give us true and complete information throughout the lifetime of your policy. Don’t allow anyone including your broker to complete an insurance form on your behalf.
  4. Drivers must be licenced correctlyYour claim may not run smoothly if you or any driver under your employment are not lawfully licensed as per the requirements of the National Road Traffic Act.Tip: Diarise renewal of all licenses.
  5. Take responsibilityGross negligence and recklessness are solid grounds for your claim to be rejected. It is your duty to do everything in your power to take all reasonable precautions and care to prevent or minimise loss, damage, death, injury or liability. Taking responsibility means maintaining and looking after your property. Gradual deterioration, mechanical breakdown, buildings not complying with engineering standards, unoccupied premises and faulty workmanship will not be covered.Tip: Make sure you comply and adhere to all South African laws and regulations which are material to the risk.
  6. Your vehicle must always be roadworthyAt all times it remains your responsibility to keep your car in a roadworthy condition. This means everything needs to be in place from identification, documentation, electrical systems, fittings and equipment, (including mirrors, safety belts, etc.), braking system, wheels (including tyre condition), suspension and undercarriage, steering, engine, exhaust system, transmission, driving instrument and vehicle dimensions.Tip: You must have your motor vehicle tested for roadworthiness before you register it in your name. If a vehicle is used for public transport or is a heavy load vehicle (excluding buses) a roadworthy test must be done every year before renewal of the motor vehicle license at least once a year. A bus must be tested for roadworthiness every six months.
  7. Meet the safety and security requirementsIt is your responsibility to adhere to the specific safety and security requirements detailed in your policy wording. There can be detrimental implications to you if you do not adhere to these requirements. Many claims get rejected because alarms, security, satellite, extinguishers and tracking devices has not been fitted at all.Tip: Check your tracking devices and alarm systems are linked and in full working order.
  8. Under the influenceShould you be involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or any drugs, your claim may be rejected.Tip: Don’t drink and drive – ever.
  9. Pay your premiumsYou only have cover if you pay your premium. If you have a problem making payment, make contact well in advance to make payment arrangements.Tip: Let your broker know in advance if you are going to miss a premium payment.
  10. Check the values of your itemsIt is your responsibility to insure items for the correct values. If you insured the items stated in the schedule for less than the correct value, we will only pay a portion of your claim. It is called underinsurance and the Average clause in your policy wording will apply. Most items are insured for a replacement value, but motor vehicles can be insured on retail, market or agreed value. For insurance that does not involve physical items we often refer to an amount as the limit of indemnity.Tip: Make sure your items are not undervalued by valuators.
  11. Give your full co-operationPlease give us the information and documentation we ask for as quickly as possible. A list of all the documentation we need is provided when we acknowledge your claim in writing and detailed on our claim forms. We may appoint assessors, loss adjusters or investigators if need be. If we ask for information and you don’t provide us with it or you are not telling us something which you know or should know is relevant, we might reduce a claim, refuse to pay a claim, cancel your policy or, if fraud is involved we can treat this policy as if it had never existed.Tip: Make sure you provide all the documentation we need ASAP.
  12. Do not admit any liability to Third PartiesDon’t admit to anyone else involved if an incident was your fault, nor make any offer of/or settlement, without our written agreement. You may not do or say anything at any time that may prejudice the rights of the insurer as this may lead to the rejection of your claim.Tip: Take a deep breath and don’t admit to anything.
  13. Ask your broker to help youApproach your broker to go through your policy on an annual basis to check all values and make sure everything on your schedule is up to date. Your broker is there to help you make sure that you are sufficiently covered and that you understand the policy wording and requirements. Most brokers provide professional assistance during the claims process.Tip: Meet with your broker at least once a year.

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