How to claim on your Policy
Wessex Administration deal with all i:protect claims
Wessex are highly experienced and handle Accident Sickness and Unemployment claims on behalf of some of the UK's largest Insurers.
Key benefits for you
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All claim payments paid directly into your bank account
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Each claim will be reviewed by experts
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All claims are handled exclusively in the UK by an experienced team in Winchester, Hampshire
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Individual attention and guidance through what can be complex Unemployment and Disability claims.
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Chartered Accountants will review claims presented by self-employed persons
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Medical details are handled professionally and sympathetically by a fully qualified Doctor.
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Our Chief Medical Officer has over 30 years experience in the field of Occupational Health
How do I claim?
First please contact us on:
Telephone: 01962 890 400
Fax: 01962 890 049
Email: claims@iprotectinsurance.co.uk
You will then be sent a claim form for completion and return together with any other information that we may require specifically for your claim.
Completed claim forms and all matters relating to a claim should be sent to:-
i:claim
Jewry House
Jewry Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8RZ
Jobcare
Your i:protect insurance cover also offers an independent and confidential telephone advice service during your period of Unemployment
This service is available to you AND any member of your immediate family based at your address, and will provide expert assistance on getting you back into employment.
Experience advisers will offer advice on:
- CV Preparation
- Letters of Application
- Sourcing Vacancies (with access to a national job vacancies database).
- Interview Techniques
- Self Employment
You may call 0870 3304791 at any time during your period of claim, quoting your certificate number, between the hours of 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday. Support is also available between the hours of 8am and 12 Noon on Saturdays.
Helping you in the validation process for your Claim
The claim form is the key document in the validation process so it is important that it is fully completed before it is returned to us. This may sound simple, however we can be prevented from progressing your claim by the Data Protection Act. To help you with this we list the declarations that are required from Employers, Doctors, etc. In particular, please ensure that these declarations are signed as they allow us to obtain the necessary information, with the minimum delay, so that we can deal with your claim as quickly as possible.
Top Tips
- If your Doctor or Employer has made an amendment to the claim form, please ensure that they have initialled the change to ensure that the amended details are authentic.
- If you are making an Unemployment claim, please check that you have supplied a copy of your end of employment letter and a copy of your P45.
- If you are making any insurance claims with any other Insurers, please supply full details of those companies when you return your claim form.
- If you were self-employed, please supply a copy of your last Business Accounts, Accountant's details and written notification from the Inland Revenue that your company has ceased to trade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Claims
Can I accept a Part-Time Job during my Unemployment claim and still receive benefit?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Your part-time job must be under 16 hours and you must still be eligible (and receiving) state unemployment benefits from the Jobcentre Plus. In addition, you must supply contact details for your part-time employer so that we can contact them to verify your new employment details.
Can I continue to claim on my Disability Benefits if I return to work on light-duties or for reduced hours?
Unfortunately, in such circumstances, your claim will end. Your insurance will only pay benefits to you whilst you are entirely unfit for work, therefore, your Doctor will either consider you to be unfit for work or not.
What will happen if I return to temporary work during my claim period?
Your claim will be suspended for any period of temporary work up to 3 times over a maximum period of 6 months.
Will my Insurer accept photocopies of Sickness Certificates during my claim, thus saving me additional costs?
Yes. However, if the photocopies are not clear, the insurer must still have the right to request the original or request the completion of one of our Disability Continuation Forms. To help you, we will also write to your Doctor directly during your claim period to ensure that your claim remains valid.
Will the Insurer accept photocopied documents from the Jobcentre Plus?
Sorry, but any official documentation must always be supplied in their original form.
Will I need to meet with my Insurer, or be interviewed, prior to my claim being accepted?
In the vast majority of cases, this will not be required. Although the Insurer does reserve the right to instruct an appointed company to meet with you during your claim. This is usually only reserved for claims where information has proved hard to secure or where the Insurer has specifics concerns with regards to validity.
If I am making a Disability claim, will I need to undergo a medical assessment prior to the acceptance of my claim?
Again, in the vast majority of cases, this will not be required. Although the Insurer reserves the right to instruct an appointed company to meet with you during your claim, it is usually only reserved for claims where information has proved hard to secure or where the Insurer has specifics concerns with regards to validity.
Will I be entitled to claim Unemployment whilst I am receiving a Payment in Lieu of Notice from my Employer?
Sorry, you are not entitled to claim Unemployment benefit whilst in receipt of payment in lieu of notice.
Do I need to wait until the end of my Waiting Period before ringing you for a claim form?
No. It is always best to call us for advice if you wish to claim. We are here to help. This also enables us to begin the assessment procedure immediately.
My GP has signed me unfit to work due to back pain/problems. Can I claim?
We will pay for the first 3 months, thereafter, only provided your GP has requested X-rays or an MRI scan, or if your GP has referred you to a Consultant who has requested X-rays or an MRI scan, and the results show there is a medical abnormality.
My GP has signed me unfit to work due to anxiety/stress/depression. Can I claim?
If you have been referred to either the Community Mental Health Team (overseen by a Consultant Psychiatrist) or a Consultant Psychiatrist, and your condition has been investigated and diagnosed, you can submit a claim.
Do I have to get my GP to complete the claim form even if there is a charge?
Yes, sorry, this is required to give us full details of the condition that is preventing you from working and to enable us to start the assessment of your claim. Any charge made by the Doctor does need to be met by you and will not be reimbursed by the Insurer.
Who is paid the monthly benefit?
The monthly benefit payment will be paid directly to the policyholder [yourself] unless you specifically state in writing at the claim stage that you wish the money to be paid elsewhere such as directly to your mortgage company.
How is my claim paid?
Payments will automatically be paid by direct debit into your bank account from which you pay your premium, unless you ask / authorise us to make payment by cheque.
Payments can be issued directly to a Lender if you supply written instruction and the required contact and reference details.
Do I continue to pay premium during my claim?
Yes, this ensures that your cover period remains in place.
Will my premium increase following a claim?
No, your claim has no affect on your premium rate.
What happens if I become unfit to work whilst submitting a claim for Unemployment?
Your claim for disability will be a continuation of your unemployment claim, which means you will not need to go through the waiting period again, however the maximum period of both claims together will remain at 12 months.
Have you been made redundant?
Losing your job is devastating but at least you know that you're not alone. There are nearly 2.5 million unemployed in Britain with 18 to 24 year olds particularly badly hit.
Even without the effects of the recession, all workers can expect to be made redundant at least once during their working life time. We strongly recommend this short and easy to read online guide from industry information experts Defaqto. It gives you the sound independent advice you need at this time with the aim to help you keep your head above water and get back on your feet. Please click here for i:protectinsurance recommended guide to Coping with Redundancy