14.1 Introduction

The ultimate purpose of an insured in purchasing an insurance policy is to obtain insurance payments when the insured event occurs and causes losses. In order to receive proceeds under the policy in the event of a loss, the first step for the insured to take is to make a claim with the insurer for the loss. This must be carried out in accordance with the requirements imposed on the insured by the Insurance Law and by the insurance contract. There are two major duties on the insured relating to the making of a claim, i.e. the duty of notifying the insurers of the happening of an insured event, and the duty of furnishing them with evidence and information about the losses. This chapter considers these duties and other related issues.