Important: CCTV & accident reporting - protect your club from future claims
We are seeing an increasing number of cases where people are making injury claims months or even years after an incident in a club.
By that time, many clubs no longer had:
Any CCTV footage of the incident
A proper accident/incident record
Staff who even remember what happened
When that happens, insurers often have very little evidence to defend you, and a claim may end up being paid simply because there is nothing to prove otherwise. That can affect your claims history and future premiums.
Why can people claim years later
A typical pattern we see is:
Someone slips, trips, or has a minor incident in the club
They say they’re “okay” and don’t want any fuss
Months or years later, they start a compensation claim and blame the club
If nothing was recorded at the time and no CCTV was kept, it becomes your word against theirs, with no paper trail to support the club.
CCTV: one of your strongest defences
Good, clear CCTV can:
Show exactly what happened and where
Prove floors were dry and clear, mats were in place, and signs were used
Show if the person was running, intoxicated or not paying attention
Back up your staff’s version of events
We strongly recommend your club:
Ensures CCTV is working whenever the premises are open
Checks time/date settings are correct
Knows how long footage is kept before it is overwritten
Download and securely save footage whenever an accident or incident occurs, and keep it for the long term in case a claim appears later
Accident reporting: your paper trail
Alongside CCTV, a properly completed accident/incident record is vital.
Every incident involving members, guests, contractors or staff should be recorded at the time, however minor it may seem. A good entry should include:
Date and time
Exact location
What happened, in plain language
Any injuries reported at the time
What action did the club take (cleaning, signage, first aid, ambulance, etc.)
Who dealt with it
Whether CCTV is available and which camera it relates to
This creates a clear paper trail that insurers can use to defend you if a claim comes in much later.
What happens if there is no evidence?
If there is no CCTV, no accident record, no witnesses and no cleaning checks, then:
The claimant’s version might be the only written record
Insurers may have to settle the claim
Your claims history and future premiums can be impacted
Insurers may also look more closely at your club at renewal
By contrast, good CCTV and detailed records give insurers the tools they need to challenge dishonest or exaggerated claims and defend the club where you have acted reasonably.
What your club should do now
We recommend you:
Review your CCTV system
Is it fully working?
Do you know how to download and save footage?
How long is footage stored for?
Check your accident/incident process
Do you have an up-to-date accident/incident book or digital record?
Do staff and committee know they must record every accident and near-miss?
Train your team
Record incidents at the time – not later
Save and preserve CCTV whenever something happens
Tell the committee/management promptly if someone hints they “may claim”
Notify us early
If an incident occurs that could turn into a claim, please let us know as soon as possible so we can guide you and your insurers from the start.
We are here to help
As specialist brokers for clubs, we can provide:
Sample accident/incident report templates
Guidance on CCTV and evidence from an insurer’s perspective
Risk management support tailored to social and leisure clubs
If you would like templates or want to review your current procedures, please contact us.
L A P Insurance Brokers Ltd