Home Insurance Articles



Summary
If you damage something at home, you may wish to claim through your home contents insurance policy. We have put together a number of tips to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.

Making A Claim On Contents Insurance

 

When you should claim

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Just because you have broken the glass top of your coffee table, do not automatically reach for the claims form – work out whether you will benefit first. Most insurers will increase your premiums when it comes to renewal time, if you have made a claim in the previous twelve months. You must allow for a higher premium, as well as your excess and repair costs, when deciding whether it is worth claiming.

Accidental damage claims are sometimes open to dispute. Your insurer may dismiss your claim if they consider the damage is attributable to wear and tear. Other grounds for rejecting a claim are not taking reasonable precautions when carrying out a DIY job. An example would be failing to cover your three piece suite when decorating the ceiling of your lounge.

If you are uncertain whether a claim will be accepted, ask your insurer whether your premium will rise following the settlement of a particular claim. Make clear to your insurer whether your enquiry is hypothetical or an actual claim. Either way you are not guaranteed an answer.

Having a no claims discount makes things even more confusing, as a claim may mean losing your discount and it is more than likely your premium will go up as well.

How you should claim

It is essential that you read the terms and conditions of the policy thoroughly.

Your home contents insurance may be with one insurer and your buildings insurance with another, so you must make sure that each company knows which claims apply to whom. They can then discuss both claims between themselves knowing the responsibilities of each other.

You should read the terms and conditions of your policy very carefully to ensure that you are covered for the things you think you are. Before making a claim, read your policy again. Inflation has increased the value of household items over the years, so make sure you are adequately insured at current values. Ensure that your documentation is kept in a safe place. If you are forgetful, note down where you have hidden the policy.

Always remember the name of the company you are insured with and think how you would get in touch if you had to vacate your house in an emergency. The Financial Ombudsman Service are the people to contact if you are unhappy with the way your claim is being handled.

Making a Complaint

Initially, the people to whom you should direct your complaints are your insurers, whether it is concerning a claim or any other aspect of their service.

Normally your problem will be resolved by the company. However, should your complaint remain unresolved, you can speak to the Financial Ombudsman Service. On January 14 th 2005, the regulation of all types of insurance was entrusted to the Financial Services Authority, which means all unresolved complaints and disputes are dealt with by the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Your complaint will have been through the procedure established by your insurer to handle complaints and remain unresolved before the Financial Ombudsmans Service will arbitrate upon it. They will peruse the terms of your policy and consider what is fair and reasonable before coming to their decision. Whatever they decide is binding upon your insurer, although you still have the right to take your case to court if you are dissatisfied with their decision.