The home is where the heart is - that’s a given. And so when something goes wrong, you want to ensure that you can access the insurance payment you deserve to rebuild properly. Experiencing a domestic fire, flood or leak can be very distressing, where the insurance claim process can only add to the misery of the whole experience. When you begin the claims process, it may feel overwhelming, especially with the knowledge that not all building insurance claims are successful. But it is a process like any other that can be navigated with the right information and support, so you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Read on for an insight into how to make a building insurance claim, with a look at what might be covered by your provider and the key steps you will need to take.
Building Insurance: What Might Be Included
Every building insurance policy differs, and often a claim will fail because the customer has misunderstood what their provider can cover. As such it is important to think about your individual needs and circumstances before taking out a policy. Usually building insurance won’t cover personal belongings, where separate contents insurance is needed for this.
The two main types of building insurance are:
Sum Insured - where the maximum payout you could secure is based on the estimated cost of rebuilding your property if it is completely destroyed
Bedroom Rated - where the maximum payout is determined based on the number of bedrooms in the property
In general, buildings insurance provides cover for damage to the internal and external structure of your home, which usually extends to permanent fixtures and fittings. Although taking out such a policy isn’t compulsory, it is highly recommended, and can be a condition of your mortgage contract.
Areas which are likely to be covered by your building insurance can include:
● Fire and smoke damage
● Vandalism and burglaries
● Motor collisions
● Water and oil leaks
● Flooding and storm damage
● Damage to garages and driveways
If these problems result in minimal damage to your property, then you may not need to make a claim, which in turn can preserve your no-claims discount. But if repairs will be costly or technically complex, then it may be time to contact your insurance provider. If your premiums do increase in price as a result, then you can always shop around for a better deal. Price comparison websites can help you to find the best cover at a low cost, where automatic premium increases can be avoided by negotiating with or changing your provider.
How To Make A Claim
The claims process may seem like a long and arduous one, but if you communicate clearly and promptly with your policy provider, then you should have your claim resolved swiftly. Read on for a look at some of the key steps in the claims process:
Contact Your Insurance Provider
It is always recommended to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, before the damage escalates or before you begin any repair work. This can be done online or over the phone, where you will need your policy number to hand to begin your claim.
Provide Evidence
Any claim will need evidence to support it, where thoroughness and accuracy is advisable. It is likely that you will have to fill out a claims form detailing the damage, where additional evidence may then be requested. This could include receipts or bank statements for repair or replacement purchases, as well as photo and video evidence. Photos can include before and after documentation, where you can also demonstrate that you have tried to prevent further damage.
Consult The Experts
It may also be worth enlisting professional help to assess your property damage. A leak tracer, plumber or building surveyor can produce a report which can also be sent to your insurance provider as evidence. If the damage is criminal in nature, such as in the case of a burglary, then the police should be contacted before you notify your insurance provider, so that they can provide you with a crime reference number.
Loss Adjusters
If you’re making a particularly large or expensive claim, then your insurance provider may arrange for a loss adjuster to visit your property to assess the damage and potential repair costs. Your insurance company may then have their own contractors who will be enlisted to carry out the agreed upon reinstatements.
Excess Payments
Although your insurance provider will contribute to your repair costs, you will also have to put forward an agreed upon excess payment. You may have chosen a high voluntary excess, which means that you pay a lower monthly premium. Equally, if your excess is lower, then your monthly payments are higher.
Unsuccessful Claims
Your insurance provider can only decline your claim if they have good reason to do so, in accordance with their policies and your contract. If you wish, you can appeal an unfavourable decision, or file a complaint against your insurance provider.
Prevention
It is advised to take reasonable precautions in your home to prevent accidental or criminal damage, where taking these steps can help to ensure you are successful if you do have to make a claim. If your home is left vulnerable or unprotected, then it can harm your case if you are hoping to secure a payout.
Some simple precautionary steps may include:
● Preparing your home for forecasted bad weather
● Investing in fire, smoke and burglar alarms
● Locking doors and windows when you leave the property
● Keeping valuables out of site
● Regularly servicing your electrical appliances
In terms of your insurance, it is always advisable to read the small print before signing a new contract, where exclusions can cause you a headache if you do need to claim. Asking your insurance broker for tailored advice can help to prevent any future mishaps. It is also necessary to keep your insurance policy up to date to make sure you are covered properly. If you have made significant changes to your property, such as adding an extension, then your insurance provider should be notified.
Although a comprehensive policy is likely to be expensive, it is recommended that you choose insurance that leaves you properly protected. Under-insuring can cost you more in the long run, and can result in financial difficulty if your property is extensively damaged.
Choosing A Building Insurance Policy
It can be difficult to navigate the wide range of policies available, where key points to consider are what you want to be covered as standard, and how much you are willing to pay per month. Other aspects to think about may include:
Alternative accommodation: will your insurance provider find you somewhere to live if your property is uninhabitable?
Excess payments: how much are you willing to pay if you do have to make a claim - would you prefer to pay more per month to cut down on excess costs?
Flooding: are you living in a high flood risk area, and if so how does this affect your policy and premiums?
Index-linked policies: will your insurance payouts rise alongside increasing building repair and construction costs?
No-claims discount: will you benefit if you don’t claim for an extended period, and will this discount be lost if you make a small claim?
Optional extras: are you covered for escape of water, accidental damage and home emergency serving as standard, or do these cost extra to include?
Simon Levy: Assisting You With Your Property Damage Claim
At Simon Levy, we can provide you with expert advice for
reporting damage to your insurer, where we can produce a comprehensive report as supporting evidence for your claim. We can also offer detailed information on the repair work you will need, including what it may cost and how long it is likely to take.
Project Management Services, Construction Dispute Consultants & Much More
In addition to this, we offer a range of building surveyance and project management services across Barnet, Watford and the Home Counties. If you need assistance with a construction dispute, planning matters or party wall negotiations then we can help.
Contact our administration services today to find out more.
