How do I make a home insurance claim?

Key takeaways

• 73% of home insurance claims are accepted, according to the FCA

• Common reasons for home insurance claim failure include wear and tear, poor maintenance, and claims below the policy excess

• Ensure you have the right amount of buildings and contents insurance and familiarise yourself with the claims procedure to avoid mistakes

When should I make a home insurance claim?

You might want to claim on your home insurance if you suffer unexpected damage or loss.

Recent MoneySuperMarket claims data shows the most common reasons for home insurance claims were:

• Accidents (26.29%^{^} of claims)

• Escape of water (28.71%^{^} of claims)

• Theft (13.23%^{^} of claims)

• Storm damage (11.48%^{^} of claims)

How soon can I claim on my home insurance?

You can usually claim on your home insurance as soon as an insured event happens. Just contact your insurer, provide details of what’s happened, and follow their claims process.

It’s best to report a claim quickly (within 48 hours). Delays could make it harder to verify your claim or affect your payout.

How many home insurance claims are accepted?

73% of of home insurance claims were accepted between 2022-2024, according to The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). There were more than 2.5 million home insurance claims which that paid out, with insurers handing over more than £9 billion for repairs and replacements.

However, there was significant differences in the acceptance rates of different insurers.

The claim reason also impacted the rejection rate. For example, under a third of home owners who claimed for storm damage received a payout.

Why do home insurance claims fail?

The reasons behind the failure of home insurance claims are varied. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) identifies several common pitfalls, including:

• Wear and tear or damage resulting from poor maintenance

• The damage cost is less than the policy excess, leaving the policyholder to foot the bill

• A mismatch between the incident and the cover

How can I make a successful home insurance claim?

To increase the odds of your home insurance claim being approved you need:

• Adequate cover. This means selecting the right amount of buildings insurance and contents insurance to fully protect your property and belongings

• Document everything: The more proof and supporting documentation you have for your claim, the more likely your claim is to be accepted

• Review your policy to understand exactly what your policy covers

• Understand the house insurance claim process

House insurance claims process: step-by-step

When the unexpected strikes, these are the steps you should take to file a claim:

• Immediate action: Obtain a police crime reference number if necessary, and document the incident meticulously

• Contact your insurer: Promptly inform your insurer, providing all the relevant details of the incident

• Documentation: Collect evidence such as receipts, photographs, and any other pertinent information

• Claims form: Fill out the claims form with accuracy and care

• Insurer's investigation: Be prepared for the insurer to conduct their own investigation, which may include sending an assessor to evaluate the claim

How long does a home insurance claim take?

The time it takes to process a claim can vary widely, from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the situation.

Is it worth making a claim on home insurance?

Before filing a claim, consider the cost of the excess and the potential for premium increases against the cost of the damage. In cases of minor damage, it might be more economical to handle the repairs yourself to prevent future hikes in insurance rates.

What if I disagree with a claim rejection?

Even with careful planning, an insurer may still refuse a claim. They must provide a valid reason based on the terms of your policy. If you disagree with their decision, you can negotiate or follow the insurer's complaints procedure.

If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), but before you do this, you must have received either a ‘final response’ from your insurance company or waited eight weeks with no communication from them.

How can I prevent a claim rejection?

To avoid a home insurance claim rejection, it's essential to:

• Thoroughly understand your policy's terms and conditions

• Take reasonable steps to secure your home and safeguard your property

How can I find home insurance with a high claim acceptance rate?

When your annual renewal comes around, don't simply settle for the first quote from your current provider. It's always wise to shop around for a better value deal with a different insurer.

Using MoneySuperMarket to compare home insurance quotes is a quick and straightforward way to find affordable cover for your home and possessions.