How to claim on your home insurance

The last thing you need in case your house gets flooded or beaten is the stress of having to deal with your insurance company. However, there is a way to make claim processing relatively easy.

Our step-by-step guide will explain how to make an insurable claim to your house insurance.

For details: Satisfaction level of housing insurance claim

1. Prepare yourself in advance
It is impossible to predict when you need to claim unless you can see the future. But there is a measure to prepare yourself.

Many insurance companies seek evidence such as receipts if your item is stolen or damaged. Members refuse to argue because of lack of evidence. Every time you do big shopping, it is prudent to keep the receipt in a safe place or take a picture of the item.

It is also important to keep your property in good condition of repair. Insurance companies provide building insurance provided that their homes are maintained on a regular basis. Especially when damage due to the storm of the roof occurs, insurance claims may be rejected. Please verify that the roof is being inspected every few years and prove that this is complete.

2. Call the insurance company promptly
Many insurance companies give up to 180 days to claim insurance for your home, but it is always best to contact as soon as possible. Insurance companies want to process large claims as soon as possible, especially in the event of floods or fires. Delaying claims may exacerbate damage, but there are obvious advantages to returning to your feet as soon as possible.

3. Do not throw damaged objects.
Although it may be appealing to do a complete cleaning after a fire or flood, please do not throw away any damaged objects. Your insurance company will want to evaluate what you lost.

You should also refurbish at least as soon as a flood occurs. The property may take a long time to dry thoroughly and you can see it shrink when you lift a wet carpet.

Details: Home insurance - flooding and sinking

4. Take a photo
When filing a claim, the insurance company seeks a complete summary of what happened as well as evidence. In the event of a dispute, it is useful to take a picture of damage on your property and its contents, or to take a short video.

5. Get help from a loss appraiser
It is difficult to hire an insurance company in the event of a large insurance claim. Insurance companies send loss adjusters to see your property and decide how your claims will proceed.

However, if the person responsible for damages is appointed by the insurance company, we can personally examine the claim in cooperation with the customer. If you purchased a policy via a broker, you can ask for help at that policy at any time. Alternatively, you can appoint a loss appraiser who respects the consumer's interests and will assist you at additional costs.

6. Do not be afraid to complain
There is no fear of complaints if insurance claims are not made as expected or if the insurer seems to have dealt with you unfairly. Please talk to your provider first. But if you do not know it is useful (and you've exhausted the grievance process described in your policy document) call 0300 123 9123 and pick up the issue.

You are usually six months since you reached deadlock with an insurance company that complains. The decision of FOS is binding on companies, not consumers, so if you wish, you can submit a problem to the court.