How to best handle Home Insurance application error.

Belenus

I would welcome advice and suggestions about how to handle a situation caused by my error.

We have a standard detached home in southern England, For many years we have taken out combined buildings and contents insurance. We normally shop around every year to get the best deal.

For a few years that was with Ageas. In August 2023 we had a burst water pipe and made a claim that was settled for about £700. At renewal in April 2024 the premium had increased to about £320 but we renewed anyway as it was still a reasonable deal.

At renewal last month in April 2025 Ageas quoted about £700, over double the previous year. We shopped around and took out a policy with One Protect for under £200.

Today One Protect have contacted me regarding the claim we made in 2023. It transpired that we made an error in the application and put the claim date as 2020 and not 2023. This was a genuine error.

Here are extracts from an on line Chat discussion with them today.

One Protect: Unfortunately the insurance provider you are with can't cover the change you've requested, however we are an insurance broker so we can stop the insurance you have now and set up a new 12 month policy with one of our other providers

Me: I am not asking for a change. I gave the details of the 2023 claim on my application.

One Protect: You didn't disclose this claim. You listed a claim from 2020

(I checked my statement of fact on their portal and I did make a mistake.)

Me: OK, I can see that. I made a mistake and typed 2020 instead of 2023. The claim was in 2023. What needs to be done now?

One Protect: To remove the claim from 2020 we would need proof that no claim was made in 2020

Me: How do I do that? Are you able to check the claims register?

One Protect: Not to remove the claim. You would need to get proof from your insurer in 2020

Me: How much time do I have to do that? It is now a weekend. Would it be better for me to submit a completely new application?

One Protect: You have 7 days to get this.

Me: OK, I will contact them. What happens if it takes longer than 7 days?

One Protect: You can contact us back and we will see if we can offer an extension

Me: Can I not submit a new application to you today, take out a new policy from today and cancel the existing policy?

One Protect: You can if you would like however we would need to charge to cancel this policy

Me: How much is that charge?

One Protect: It is £55.99 and the charge for how long you have been insured

Me: OK, I will give it some thought over the weekend and contact you again next week Thank you.

Should I get proof of no claim made in 2020. I suspect that will not be easy or quick.

Should I let One Protect sort out a new policy and pay for my error.

Should I shop around for the best deal?

Should I do something else?

Advice and suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

DullGreyGuy

Belenus said:
Should I get proof of no claim made in 2020. I suspect that will not be easy or quick.

Should I let One Protect sort out a new policy and pay for my error.

Should I shop around for the best deal?

Should I do something else?

Advice and suggestions welcome.

Having made an application stating you have a 2020 claim it may well have been shared with others and therefore if you do shop around they may also pick up on the fact you recently declared a claim that you are no longer declaring. As such it may be a sensible backup to ask for the proof from the insurer at the time irrespective of your chosen path. Depending on who your insurer is it may be little more than a phone call and 10 minutes for them to email something across. 

I'd shop around anyway and then you can compare what alternative price they offer -v- the cost of cancelling and buying a new policy. That said, Home is a fairly complex product and personally will always go with the best value policy not the cheapest but the fact this forum is full of messages about things not being covered because they bought the budget policy I seem to be in a minority.