claiming from house insurance

wilsons

I need help as to whether or not I can claim for a lost piece of jewelry from my house insurance. We have moved in to our new house now for about 4 months and cannot find the necklace anywhere. We’re not sure if we’ve misplaced it (although we’ve torn the house apart with no joy), lost it while away on a short break or lost it while moving house! Obviously when we notify the insurance company I’d like your help on what to expect as I’ve never claimed before, and any advice on the type of questions they ask and what not to say!!

Thanks in advance…

lisyloo

Firstly how much was the necklace worth?

If it's relatively inexpensive then it may not be worth claiming due to your excess and the fact that premiums will go up in future.

If it's an expensive item then is it within your single-item limit for valuables (often around £1500).
When did your insurance start? i.e. were you insured at the point of moving.
Do you have personal possessions cover? i.e. were you insured when away.
Do you have any travel insurance that would cover the short break?

If it was an expensive item then why don't you know where you lost it?
I'm not being judgmental but insurance companies expect you to take the same amount of care as if you did not have insurance.
I know there is a lot to do when you move, but surely you checked you expensive items arrived at the other end?
I think an insurance company would expect you to notice if you lost something when moving or on a trip. If you didn't notice then that might imply a lack of care of valuables.

wilsons

Thanks for the reply. It cost £650 (I think this is worth claiming?) and as the insurance is in my name, we can put the house in my partners name once the renewal date comes along to avoid the premiums increase?

Insurance was with the old house and the necklace was present and accounted for. We then had to move to temporary accommodation until the new house was ready and we didn’t inform the insurance company. The necklace was present and accounted for in the temporary house and on the short break. We then moved into the new house on arrival back from the short break. Around the time of moving into our new house, the old insurance had expired; so we renewed a few days after we had moved in. It was during unpacking we noticed the necklace was missing; it is not at the temporary accom, nor at the hotel. We’ve been debating ever since what to do.

lisyloo

Yes I think £650 is worth claiming (if you are insured).

and as the insurance is in my name, we can put the house in my partners name once the renewal date comes along to avoid the premiums increase?

It depends on exactly what questions they ask.
I they ask for details of claims by anyone in the household then that won't work.
You have to be honest about any questions but you could try to pick an insurer that asks the "right" questions.

We then had to move to temporary accommodation until the new house was ready and we didn’t inform the insurance company.

I don't think you would be insured at that point.

Around the time of moving into our new house, the old insurance had expired; so we renewed a few days after we had moved in.

So around about the time you lost the necklace you were definitely not insured.

We’ve been debating ever since what to do.

My advice is not to commit fraud (not that I am suggesting for a minute that you were intending to).
It sounds to me like the necklace was lost during the move when you had no insurance, so I think you are going to have to take it on the chin.

For the future I would suggest.

1) Never go uninsured (the house could have burnt down and then you'd be in dire straits - just not worth it).
2) If you have some expensive stuff then get a small safe (like hotel ones) for £20 from screwfix and bolt it to the floor in a hidden place.
Lots of people tell me that this won't count for anything with insurers but I think it's worthwhile and inexpensive.
And if someone does come and find the hidden safe and saw up the floor boards then at least I can say I wasn't negligent.
Most burglaries however are opportunisitic in nature and they mostly won't have the equipment or want to make the noise involved or have the time.
3) Keep receipts for jewelry and anything expensive, to both prove price and that you had it.
4) If you have a lot of jewelry then keep an intinerary (a simple list will do).
5) Consider getting photos and valuations done (I've never done this myself).

Sorry about your loss but it does sound like it was lost during the few days you were uninsured.