Claimant
What Is a Claimant?
A claimant is the person or business making an insurance claim. They’re the ones asking for money because something went wrong.
In a pet care business claim, the claimant could be a client, landlord, venue, bystander, or, in some cases, even you.
If you ever have to report an incident during pet care, one of the first questions an insurer might ask is “Who is the claimant?” Here’s why that matters:
- Who makes the claim shapes the way it’s covered. If a client or bystander is the one asking for money, it’s usually a third-party claim. If you’re the one wanting payment under your own coverage, that’s a first-party claim.
- Coverage follows the claim type. Some coverages in your policy can only pay for third-party claims (like General Liability), while some only cover first-party claims (like Equipment and Inventory Coverage).
- Payment usually requires a release. Before the insurer pays the claim, the claimant typically signs a Release of Liability. That document confirms they accept the payment and agree not to pursue further legal action for the incident.
- Facts matter more than opinions. In a third-party claim, everyone involved (the claimant and the insured) gets a chance to tell their side of the story. Your claims adjuster will focus on the facts of what happened (like photos, vet bills, estimates, and contracts) to evaluate the claim fairly and efficiently.
Claimant vs Insured: What’s the Difference?
Knowing the difference between a claimant vs an insured (and other common roles) helps you talk confidently with your claims adjuster.
| Role | What it means | Example in a pet business |
|---|---|---|
|
Claimant |
Person/business asking for payment for harm to themself, their animals, or their stuff |
A client whose hardwood floor you scratched during a drop-in visit |
|
Insured |
The policyholder |
Your pet business |
|
An entity you add to your policy for protection |
A landlord listed on your policy |
|
|
Third Party |
Someone who isn’t you or your insurance company |
A bystander tripped by your leash |
First-Party vs Third-Party Claims: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between a first-party claim and a third-party claim is who’s asking for payment.
Swipe →
| Type | Who is the claimant? | Policies that may cover it | Payment goes to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First-party |
You (the insured) |
Property coverages (like Equipment & Inventory Coverage) Veterinarian Reimbursement |
You or your vendor |
|
Third-party |
Someone else (client, venue, bystander) |
The claimant or their vendor |
*This isn’t a full list of coverages. Learn more about who gets paid if there’s a claim by checking your policy. A customer service agent can help if you have questions.
So why does it matter whether you have a first-party or third-party claim?
- A first-party claim means you, the insured, are getting the check for harm done to you or reimbursement for money you spent.
- A third-party claim means someone else is getting the check for harm done to them, their stuff, or their animals.
Pro Tip: The word “liability” in the coverage name is usually a tip-off that it covers third-party claims, not first-party claims.
How to Communicate With a Claimant
When emotions run high after an accident, clear and calm communication with your claims adjuster (and with an upset client) goes a long way.
With the claimant:
- Be polite and professional
- Don’t admit fault or promise payment
- Let them know you’ve reported the incident to your insurer
- Keep conversations factual and brief
Pro Tip: You care deeply about the pets you watch over, so it’s tempting to take the blame (or promise to pay) if a pet gets hurt. Let the claims process work first. Your insurer has fewer options to help you if you’ve already admitted that you’re at fault.
With your insurer or claims adjuster:
- Send documents quickly. (Think vet bills and repair estimates, but also specifics that support your account, like dates and times, texts, and contracts.)
- Share clear, factual statements about what happened.
- Avoid speculating or offering your opinion.
Big Takeaway
Knowing who the claimant is when something goes wrong helps you:
- Understand which coverage may apply
- Know who will get paid if a claim is covered
- Communicate confidently and professionally
- Limit confusion during an already stressful time
When you understand where you fit into the claims process, insurance for your pet business feels less mysterious and more manageable.
Additional Resources
Need help with claims or documentation? Check out these resources.
- How to File a Claim
- Log in to your user dashboard to see an example client agreement and media release. An attorney can help you customize waivers like these to fit your business and state laws, putting you in a stronger position in case of a claim or lawsuit.
Keep Sniffing Around
- Claim
- Additional Insured
- Third Party
- Third Party Claim
- First Party Claim
- General Liability
- Animal Bailee Coverage (Pet Protection)
- Professional Liability
Kyle Jude | Program Manager
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for PCI, where he helps design and maintain liability coverage specifically for pet professionals. With 10+ years of insurance industry experience, he works closely with carriers, underwriters, and compliance teams to ensure PCI coverage stays accurate, responsive, and relevant to real-world risks. At home, he puts that same expertise to use wrangling his four beloved dogs
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for PCI, where he helps design and maintain liability coverage specifically for pet professionals. With 10+ years of insurance industry experience, he works closely with carriers, underwriters, and compliance teams to ensure PCI coverage stays accurate, responsive, and relevant to real-world risks. At home, he puts that same expertise to use wrangling his four beloved dogs