Understanding Home Insurance Claims and Appeals
Key takeaways
Common reasons for home insurance claims being rejected include missing information, lack of supporting evidence and claiming for non-covered damages
If your claim is denied, you can appeal with additional evidence, file a complaint with the financial ombudsman or even consider switching to a more suitable provider
Seeking legal advice or engaging a claims management company can help if disputes continue
Having a home insurance claim rejected can be frustrating, but it’s not always the end of the road. By understanding the reasons behind the decision and taking the right steps, you may be able to contest it or find a better provider for the future.
Why might my home insurance claim be rejected?
Home insurance claims can be rejected for a number of reasons, such as:
Non-disclosure of important information: If you didn’t share crucial details like the age of your home, prior damage or security upgrades when you applied for cover
Claiming for damages not covered under your policy: Some policies don’t cover things like accidental damage as standard, so check your policy details before claiming
Lack of evidence to support the claim: Insurers rely on evidence to process claims, so if you’re unable to provide photos, receipts or police reports this can weaken your case
Missed premium payments: Missing premium payments can void your insurance, and your insurer is likely to reject any claims made during the period your payments were overdue
Wear and tear: You’ll unlikely be able to claim on damage resulting from wear and tear or lack of maintenance
Negligence: You’ll also likely face a rejected claim if you’re burgled as a result of leaving your windows open or front door unlocked
Can I appeal if my home insurance claim is rejected?
Yes, you can make an appeal if your home insurance provider rejects your claim. You may want to try negotiating with them first, but if they aren’t willing to hear your case out you should make a formal complaint - you may choose to do this in writing.
You should gather additional evidence to support your claim, whether it’s receipts for repairs, photos of damage, or even professional assessments. Include your policy number, full name and all relevant dates alongside any supporting evidence and the reason behind your complaint.
What if I don't agree with my home insurance provider?
If you appeal with your insurer and you don’t agree with their decision, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service who will investigate your complaint free of charge. If they believe your provider’s rejection of your claim was incorrect, they can force them to fix the issue.
Switching home insurance providers
If your home insurance claim has been rejected, you may want to consider switching providers. It’s quick and easy to compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket - just tell us about yourself, your home and the cover you need, and we’ll look for policies that match your exact requirements.
