What is a Claim?

A claim is a formal request you submit to your insurance company asking them to pay for a covered loss, such as property damage, customer injury, or business interruption.

What you need to know

When something goes wrong—a customer gets injured, equipment breaks down, or your property is damaged—you file a claim by notifying your insurer, providing documentation, and working with them to settle the loss.

Why it matters for restaurant owners

Understanding how to properly file and document claims makes the difference between quick payment and frustrating denials.

Essential claim practices:

• Report claims promptly (most policies require immediate notification)
• Preserve evidence at the scene
• Document everything with photos and receipts
• Never admit fault before consulting your insurer

Critical warning: Too many claims will increase your premiums or make you uninsurable, so invest in loss prevention and only file claims for significant losses that exceed your deductible by a meaningful margin.