Home Insurance Buyers' Guide page 9: How to make a home insurance claim

• Guides
• Published: 30 Aug 2008 in Household and Home Insurance

How to Make a Home Insurance Claim

Should the worst come to the worst and you fall victim to burglary or your property suffers serious damage, then all is not lost – after all, this is why home insurance exists.

First off, read your policy and make sure that the loss you have suffered is covered. Check under which type of home cover (buildings or contents) you can make the claim. If you are in any doubt, call your home insurance company for advice.

Next, request a claim form from your insurer, which will need to be completed and returned with estimates for repairs or replacement as soon as possible. Keep all damaged items as the insurance company’s loss adjuster might want to see them. 

Should you have a ‘new for old’ policy, you can claim for the full cost for items damaged or stolen. Remember, insurers normally require proof of value in the event of a claim so hang on to those receipts. If you opted for a basic indemnity policy, wear and tear will be deducted from any payout.

Even if you have difficulty getting estimates, you should return your form quickly and inform the insurer that estimates will follow. Should temporary repairs be necessary to prevent further damage, inform your insurer and arrange for the work to be undertaken, and keep all bills as they may be included in the overall cost of the claim.

What happens next?

As soon as the insurer gets your claim they’ll either pay out, arrange for a claims inspector to visit, or they’ll send a loss adjuster to handle your case. The loss adjuster will assess the claim and advise the insurance company on how to settle.

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Back to page 8: Tips to burglar proof your home