The records that commonly come up
Across most trades and sectors the same categories recur: current risk assessments and method statements; proof of training and competence; inspection, servicing and maintenance records; a log of accidents, incidents and near misses; evidence you check subcontractors before they start; and your current health, safety and operational policies.
Alongside those sit the “admin” documents — your own insurance certificates, accreditations and licences — each with a renewal date worth tracking.
Organised beats complete
Having a record is only half of it. If it takes a day of searching three inboxes and a filing cabinet to produce a certificate, that record isn’t doing its job when someone asks for it under time pressure.
Keeping documents in one place, indexed and in date, is what turns a pile of files into evidence you can actually produce.
Use the free Complys Insurance Compliance Readiness Checker to score your records and see your specific gaps — no signup.
Check your readiness →Match the record to the proof
The strongest evidence pairs the document with proof it is used: a policy alongside sign-offs, a risk assessment alongside the briefing record, a certificate alongside its renewal date. That is what demonstrates procedures are followed rather than just written.
This guide is about compliance records and evidence, not insurance advice. Having records in place does not guarantee insurance acceptance, pricing or that a claim will be paid — those decisions rest with the relevant insurer and insurance professionals.
Frequently asked questions
What compliance records might I be asked for around business insurance?
Commonly: current risk assessments and method statements, training and competence records, inspection and maintenance records, an incident log, subcontractor checks, and current policies — plus your own insurance, accreditation and licence documents. The exact set depends on your activities and who is asking.
Do I need every record to get insured?
This guide is about organising evidence, not about insurance eligibility. Whether you are offered cover, and on what terms, is decided by insurers and brokers, not by a checklist.
How should records be stored?
Centrally, indexed, and with the document held next to its date so you can retrieve the right version quickly. Scattered records that can’t be produced on request are a common weak point.
Complys keeps your records, RAMS, training, workers, documents, inspections and compliance evidence in one place, current and retrievable. Start with compliance document management — Keep every policy, certificate and record in one place, current and retrievable.
Start using Complys →