Steps for SMEs to Manage Successful Insurance Claims
Fecha: 2025-04-15
A water leak in your shop, a burglary in your office, or a storm flooding your warehouse. Unexpected events happen, and when they do, small and medium-sized enterprises need to act quickly and strategically to avoid being left without coverage.
If you have business insurance and face a problem, knowing how to file an effective claim can be the difference between fair compensation and a denial that threatens your company’s continuity.
This guide explains step by step how SMEs can manage insurance claims, avoid common mistakes, and increase their chances of success.
What Do SME Insurance Policies Cover?
Before filing a claim, it’s crucial to understand your coverage. Business insurance for SMEs is designed to protect both physical assets and business activity.
Common SME insurance coverages include:
Property damage (water, fire, vandalism, weather events)
Theft of equipment, materials, or stock
Business interruption (loss of income due to temporary closure)
Liability towards third parties
Electrical damage or machinery breakdown
Uninhabitability or forced closure of premises
Tip: Review your policy carefully, ideally with professional help. Many businesses miss out on claims simply because they don’t know they are covered.
Insurance Claims for SMEs: Steps for Effective Management
- Notify the claim as soon as possibleYou have a legal deadline of 7 days to notify your insurer, though some policies allow more. Don’t delay.
Methods of notification:
Phone
Customer portal or mobile app
The sooner you report, the sooner the process starts and the less impact on your business.
- Document all damagesCollect all possible information:
Photos and videos of damage
Invoices for damaged or stolen property
Repair estimates
Technical reports
Police report (for theft, vandalism, accidents)
- Complete the claim formThe insurer will require an official report of the incident. Include:
Date and time
Exact location
Detailed description
List of affected property
Possible causes
- Receive the insurer’s adjusterThe company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and prepare a report.
During the visit:
Show all damages
Explain the business impact
Provide invoices and estimates
Emphasize the financial importance of the loss
- Review the settlement proposalAfter the assessment, you will receive a proposal:
Accept if fair
Negotiate if insufficient
Reject and present your own independent report (counter-appraisal)
Never sign if you disagree — consult experts first.
What to Do If the Insurer Rejects or Limits Coverage
Common responses include:
“This is not covered.”
“The damage is not directly related.”
“Business activity is not affected.”
But many of these are not final.
Option 1: Hire an independent expertYou have the right to an alternative report challenging the insurer’s version.
Option 2: File a formal complaintSend a written claim to the insurer’s customer service including:
Claim form
Photos and evidence
Expert reports
Clear explanation of your disagreement
The insurer has two months to respond.
Conclusion
A poorly handled claim can endanger the liquidity and stability of an SME. Having insurance is not enough — you need to know how to claim effectively with evidence, strategy, and professional support.
At MataSeguros, we help SMEs turn complex claims into fair compensation — without endless paperwork or confusing answers.
Has your company suffered a loss? Contact us and claim with confidence.