What must be provided by the insured to initiate the claims process in a commercial insurance policy?

To initiate the claims process in a commercial insurance policy, the insured must provide a claim form. This form is essential because it serves as the formal request for compensation under the terms of the insurance policy. The claim form typically requires the insured to supply specific information regarding the incident that led to the claim, including details such as the date, nature of the loss, and any relevant circumstances.

The completion of a claim form is often a prerequisite set by insurers, as it standardizes the information they need to evaluate the claim. Insurers rely on this structured format to streamline the processing of claims and to ensure that all pertinent details are gathered from the insured.

While having the policy document is important for understanding coverage, it's the claim form that officially starts the process of evaluation and potential payout. Similarly, while witness statements or itemized property listings may support a claim, they are typically supplementary to the claim form itself. Therefore, providing the claim form is the critical first step in the claims process.