Any claim which prevents you from trading, such as a flood or fire, should be reported immediately to the insurer who can arrange for a loss adjuster to visit quickly, make an assessment and to discuss how to progress the claim.
A liability claim should also be reported straight away in particular if it involved bodily injury to a member of the public or a member of your staff. If a member of staff has been injured you may need to report it to the Health and Safety Executive under Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) .
If the claim is for loss or damage to your property the claim should be reported to your insurer as soon as possible. You will need to confirm your policy number and you will be asked to supply an estimate of repair for any damage or original purchase receipts for lost or stolen items.