Home insurance claims and quotes

jetsetwilly_2

Hi,

Currently applying for quotes for renewal.

Have had a claim for theft away from the home this year, but didn't bother to take the payment, as after excess, it wasn't worth it.

Also, 2 years ago, tried to claim for some damage to the drains but it wasn't covered.

Do I need to declare both as claims/losses even though they didn't pay out?

Getting conflicting advice. My insurer said that if I didn't get paid out, then i don't need to declare it, however, other websites say it is irrelevant whether it paid out or not, the mere fact that I had the loss in the first place (covered or not) is the real issue.

Advice please

ACG

im not sure its the fact you had a loss...i lose things all the time. Id be on the phone constantly asking if my premiums are going up because i cant find my keys.

I think its the fact you made a claim that will result in you having to disclose them. Even though it wasnt paid...you still made a claim.

Thats what ive been told in the past.

InsideInsurance

You need to read the wording of the question you are being asked and answer it appropriately.

Motor tends to ask about "incidents" (ie claimed for or not) and Home tends to ask about "claims" (ie excludes incidents not claimed for) but this does vary by insurer/ distribution channel etc.

katfishh

jetsetwilly wrote: »

Hi,

Currently applying for quotes for renewal.

Have had a claim for theft away from the home this year, but didn't bother to take the payment, as after excess, it wasn't worth it.

Also, 2 years ago, tried to claim for some damage to the drains but it wasn't covered.

Do I need to declare both as claims/losses even though they didn't pay out?

Getting conflicting advice. My insurer said that if I didn't get paid out, then i don't need to declare it, however, other websites say it is irrelevant whether it paid out or not, the mere fact that I had the loss in the first place (covered or not) is the real issue.

Advice please

Advice I was given in my own similar case is that you DO need to declare it, particularly as it appears you have mentioned it to your insurance company and did not accept the payment. However DO check the wording carefully on your renewal. Is the question about 'claims' or 'any losses'. Answering correctly is important and non disclosure of a loss couild invalidate your insurance.

Do think very carefully before telling the insurance company about claims you are considering until you are sure. The mere mention (even if you do not claim) will increase your policy cost

jetsetwilly_2

Cheers. I think I had better mention both issues and pay the extra. Sods law, if I don't, I will end up needing to claim for a big issue.

I guess the rule is, unless you need to claim (i.e. its a big loss), its best just to pay yourself.