How long do home insurance claims take?

Even though policies provide protection for unexpected events, making a home insurance claim is something we hope we never have to do. But should the unexpected happen, it’s important to know what to expect during the process. In this article, we share how long home insurance claims typically take in the UK and what insurers need to process your claim.

What is a home insurance claim?

A home insurance claim is when you as a homeowner or a tenant submit a formal request to your insurer for compensation following an insured event. This could be due to fire, flood, theft or accidental damage. 

Your insurer assesses the detail of the claim and decides if there’s satisfactory evidence that it’s covered by the policy terms. If it’s eligible, they’ll pay out on the claim. 

How soon can you make a claim?

If you’ve only recently bought your policy, the good news is that most insurers don’t have a time period you’ll have to wait before you can make a home insurance claim. This is something to check before you buy the policy though as not all insurers have the same terms. Any wait times may be referred to as ‘exclusion periods’ on your insurance documentation.

What’s the process?

Although home insurance claims can take a while, depending on what happened, it’s a relatively straightforward process.

Contact the emergency services if needed

If you’ve been a victim of crime or there’s been a dangerous incident like a fire or flood, the first thing to do is contact the emergency services. Depending on the situation, they might give you a crime reference number.

Contact your insurer

The next step is to call your insurance company. Most have a dedicated claims line to start the process straight away and they can also arrange emergency repairs if needed.

Provide the detail

On the first call, your insurer will tell you the next steps to take. This could be sending you a more in-depth form to complete or asking you to submit supporting documentation. 

Help with the investigation

Your insurer might need to have follow-up calls with you or they could send someone to see you, called a loss adjuster, who will inspect the damage.

How do insurance companies pay out claims in the UK?

If your claim is going to be settled, your insurer can specify that any repairs have to be completed by an approved contractor. If so, they’ll pay the contractor directly. Don’t arrange your own work unless you have authorisation from the insurer.

If your claim is for the replacement of items, your insurer will settle the financial element of your claim by sending you a bank transfer payment.

Can you speed up the process?

Insurance companies have to follow their claims processes which can take time. But there are things you can do to help avoid unnecessary delays.

Provide accurate and complete information 

Give as much detail as you can about the event, preferably in chronological order to help insurers understand what happened. If you’re not sure about something, don’t guess, just give the facts you have. Include all supporting evidence that your insurer asks including photos and receipts.

Keep in touch with your insurer

Your insurer might need to ask you some follow-up questions or request additional supporting evidence. Try to respond as quickly as you can to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Make time for contractor appointments

Your insurer may ask you to get quotes from contractors who can make necessary repairs. The sooner you can get your quotes and submit them, the faster the insurer can progress with your claim.

Making a claim can be a stressful process, but finding an insurer with a good track record of customer satisfaction can make things easier.

Our Smart Money People reviewers have shared their honest feedback about the insurers they recommend and who they think you should avoid. Research home insurance reviews to help you make an informed buying decision.

Can you speed up the process?

Insurance companies have to follow their claims processes which can take time. But there are things you can do to help avoid unnecessary delays.

Provide accurate and complete information 

Give as much detail as you can about the event, preferably in chronological order to help insurers understand what happened. If you’re not sure about something, don’t guess, just give the facts you have. Include all supporting evidence that your insurer asks including photos and receipts.

Keep in touch with your insurer

Your insurer might need to ask you some follow-up questions or request additional supporting evidence. Try to respond as quickly as you can to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Make time for contractor appointments

Your insurer may ask you to get quotes from contractors who can make necessary repairs. The sooner you can get your quotes and submit them, the faster the insurer can progress with your claim.

Making a claim can be a stressful process, but finding an insurer with a good track record of customer satisfaction can make things easier.

Our Smart Money People reviewers have shared their honest feedback about the insurers they recommend and who they think you should avoid. Research home insurance reviews to help you make an informed buying decision.