If you want someone to represent you

Everyone who makes a claim with IBCA has a different experience and situation.

Reasons you may want someone to represent you include:

• you are mentally or physically unwell
• you may find making a claim upsetting
• you think it could take up too much of your time

It is important to know that you do not need to give a reason and you can change your mind at any time.

There are 2 types of people who can represent you to make a claim:

• someone with legal authority through a document called Power of Attorney
• someone who you know and trust, like a family member

Power of Attorney

This person will have authority to carry out your claim on your behalf through a legal arrangement called Power of Attorney (or another similar power from the court). This means they will:

• help you make decisions, or make decisions on your behalf, if you cannot make them yourself
• have legal authority to sign documents and receive compensation payment for you

This person is often simply called an 'attorney' and you may already have someone in place to act as your attorney.

If you want someone to represent you through a Power of Attorney, either you or your attorney can tell your claim manager.

You'll need to give them information about the Power of Attorney so they can check it is valid. Then both you and your attorney will need to complete an Identity check when you start your claim.

Someone you know

You can ask someone you know and trust to represent you, even if you do not already have an agreement in place. Once you've given permission and security checks have been completed, the person who represents you will be able to:

• communicate with IBCA by phone, video call, email and post
• discuss your medical information and history with the claim manager
• share details of a medical professional who can provide further evidence to support your claim if needed
• see your compensation amount and payment options

This person will not be able to:

• receive any compensation on your behalf
• sign any document about your claim on your behalf

It's important you know that you can also do all of the things listed above. You can choose how much you want to be involved in the process of making your claim, and you have the right to change your mind at any time.

If you want someone to represent you, tell your claim manager and they'll send you a form to complete to give your permission.