CLAIMS MATTERS

Q How should we notify you of a claim?
A You can telephone us on 0161 833 9696 or 0845 60 61 331 and ask for our Claims Department. We will usually take brief details and issue a claim form, as well as offering advice and guidance.
Alternatively, you can send a fax to 0161 833 1287, email us at Methodistclaims@micmail.com or download a claim form. It may also be useful for you to refer to our ‘How to Make a Claim’ laminated sheet issued with the Church
Shield Policy. We can supply additional copies if necessary upon request.

Q Will anyone visit the church to investigate a claim?
A Generally, we only send someone to make enquiries locally if the cost of the claim is likely to be substantial, say, over £2,500 or it is complex in nature. However, there will always be exceptions to this, and each case will be treated on its merits.
We would engage an independent chartered loss adjuster, who will arrange a mutually convenient appointment, provide you with support in compiling the claim, authorise repair work and ultimately agree settlement, where appropriate.

Q Can we carry out emergency repairs or reglazing?
A Any work required to maintain the security of the premises or make it weatherproof can be carried out immediately and a quotation should be obtained for the permanent repair.
Glass in windows and doors can be replaced by a local glazier or by using a 24 hour emergency service operated on our behalf by Solaglas who can be contacted on 0870 870 7171. They will require your policy number and will deal directly with us regarding payment. You will be invoiced separately regarding the policy excess.

Q Are there any special requirements for claims involving personal injury?
A Such claims may be subject to legislation, which imposes strict time limits for dealing with correspondence and completing enquiries. Therefore, it is important that we are notified at the earliest possible opportunity of any accident which may result in a claim for compensation being made against the church.
Similarly, any communication you receive, particularly from a solicitor, should be forwarded to us immediately, without acknowledgement. We will respond to the letter for you and arrange any investigation that may be required.

Q What is a policy excess?
A This is included in insurance policies to eliminate claims for small amounts or to act as a deduction on larger claims. The level of excess will be detailed in your policy schedule or in the policy wording. Please contact us if you require clarification. It is our normal practice to apply an excess of £50 or £100 to policies. Very occasionally a higher excess operates because of certain features of a risk or because of a poor claims record.

Q If we make a claim will this affect our premium?
A It is not our practice to apply additional terms to policies unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This could be a series of similar incidents of loss or damage within a short period, for instance vandalism or theft.
Often our first action in these circumstances is to arrange a resurvey by one of our surveying team. We will issue a risk improvement report to try to help minimise the likelihood of future similar claims. Special terms may have to be applied if we find a particularly unsatisfactory situation or if required risk improvements cannot be carried out. In our support of the work of the Methodist Church we believe it is important to apply additional terms sparingly and perhaps when no other solution is possible.