Claims guide

Making an airside insurance claim

Follow airport procedures, notify your insurer promptly, and preserve evidence subject to airside security rules.

Airside operations carry high third-party risks and strict reporting rules. If an incident occurs — injury, property damage, or a circumstance that may lead to a claim — follow the process in your policy wording and schedule, and comply with airport reporting requirements.

Every policy differs by insurer, indemnity limit and claims route. This guide describes the usual process but your policy documents, airport permit and principal contract are definitive. For general insurance terms, see the BIS-Nationwide insurance glossary.

1. Check your policy schedule and wording

Locate your schedule and policy booklet. These tell you:

  • Which insurer holds the risk and your policy number
  • The claims notification phone number, portal or claims handler — as printed on your schedule
  • Your indemnity limit and territorial scope
  • Time limits and methods for reporting incidents and circumstances

If you cannot find these details, contact Airside Insurance 4u and we will help you identify the correct insurer or claims contact.

2. Follow airport emergency procedures

Comply with airside safety and security rules immediately. Report to airport operations, security or your airside supervisor as required. Do not compromise runway or taxiway safety.

3. Notify the insurer promptly

Contact your insurer or their claims handler directly using the details on your schedule — as soon as reasonably practicable and in the manner your wording requires.

Provide your policy number, airport, location airside, date and time, and a factual summary. Do not admit liability to third parties, the airport or airlines without insurer agreement.

If you are unsure which number to use, check your schedule first, then contact us.

4. Notify the airport authority

Most airports require formal incident reporting within set timeframes under your airside access permit, contractor handbook or principal contract. Insurance notification does not replace airport reporting — you may need to do both.

5. Gather evidence

  • Photos and video where airport security rules permit
  • Airside access pass records and sign-in logs
  • Witness names, employer details and equipment involved
  • Internal incident reports and RAMS relevant to the task
  • Airport, police or regulator reference numbers

6. Cooperate with the insurer

High indemnity limits mean early and complete notification matters. After you notify, deal with the insurer and their claims handlers directly — answer their questions honestly and refer third-party correspondence to them promptly. Keep copies of everything you submit.

7. Third-party injury or property damage

Refer all claims and letters to the insurer or claims handler — do not negotiate directly. Preserve CCTV and incident records subject to airport data policies. Standard public liability policies typically do not cover routine airside work — your airside policy responds subject to the terms on your schedule.

Do not move aircraft, ground support equipment or airfield infrastructure without airport authority agreement. Single claims can exceed standard business liability limits — notify the insurer as your wording requires without delay.

8. If a claim is declined or disputed

If cover is declined, the insurer should explain why with reference to your policy wording. You can ask us to help you understand the decision or raise a complaint. Eligible customers may refer disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

9. Renewal and contract compliance

Declare claims accurately at renewal. Confirm the indemnity limit on your schedule still meets airport and main contractor requirements before your next permit application.

If you are unsure whether to notify an incident, check your schedule first, then read our FAQs or contact us.

Need help with your claim?

If you cannot find your policy documents or are unsure who to notify, we can help you identify the correct claims route for your policy.

Contact us Read our FAQs