If you have insurance and anything happens, such as an accident, fire, theft, or flood, you will most likely need to file a home insurance claim.
This can be a very stressful moment, and it is critical that you complete everything correctly or your claim will be denied. This is the last thing you want after years of paying your premiums!
If you need to file an insurance claim, contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible and request that a claim form be mailed or emailed to you.
Also, if the claim is considered in value (often more than £3000), it may be prudent to retain the services of a loss assessor. They specialise in assisting you in obtaining your full entitlement under the terms and conditions of your insurance policy – and they normally operate on a small portion of the settlement, so it’s in their best interest to get you the highest possible payment.
When you receive the claim form, make sure you fill it out completely and retain a copy for yourself.
Before submitting your claim, consider the following factors:
You are absolutely protected for what you are claiming.
You have till the end of the month to file a claim.
How much excess there is? If you have a high excess and the claim is little, it may not be worthwhile to file an insurance claim.
Check the dreaded fine print to ensure there are no conditions that would prevent you from claiming (the type of locks etc).
Whether it’s a fresh or old strategy. Because the insurance company can deduct for wear and tear, the amount you receive may be less than the cost of purchasing new.
Duplicates of all certifications that would aid your claims, such as invoices and receipts, must be included. Keep copies of these documents in case your insurance company denies your claim.
Your insurance provider may also enquire if you have any other policies in place (such as contents insurance). It is critical that you inform your provider of this data on any additional coverage.
The most critical piece of advice is to avoid exaggerating or embellishing your insurance claim. Many times, this has resulted in a claim being denied or a settlement being reduced.
Is it always necessary to file an insurance claim?
You are not required to make a claim on your insurance, even if you are eligible to do so. In other situations, if your claim is very minor, you may opt not to file it because your future rates may rise by more than the amount you have specified.
Important: Even if you do not wish to file a claim with your insurance company, you must always notify them of an event. If you do not report it, you may realise that it causes problems down the road.
