Can we see the full claim before filing?

Whatever the engagement letter says about fees and liability, the claim is yours. If it is reviewed, you answer for it. Reading the whole claim before filing, the figures and the technical descriptions, is how you make sure it says what you believe to be true. It is also how you catch work that does not belong, descriptions your engineers would not recognise, and costs counted twice.

The adviser health check asks you: "Did you see the full claim and its workings before it was filed?"

"Yes. You will have the full claim, the calculations and the technical case, with time to read it and have your technical people read it, before we file." A review meeting built into the process. Changes made when you ask for them, with an explanation if the adviser disagrees.

A summary offered instead of the claim. A sign-off requested on a deadline that leaves no time to read it. Filing directly by the adviser with your approval given in advance. An answer that clients do not usually want to see the detail. All of these can have a reason; none of them should stop you asking to see the whole thing.

• The clause: who signs the claim
• The script: asking to see the claim before filing
• Red flag: you cannot see the claim. Green flag: you see the whole claim before filing
• Adviser health check