HOW TO... claim on your insurance

Whether it’s for your home, your car, a holiday or anything else that’s protected by an insurance policy, if something has gone wrong that’s going to be expensive to put right, you may want to claim on the insurance.

• The first thing to do is contact your insurer as soon as possible to get them to post or email you a claim form. Check that your policy covers whatever it is you intend to claim for and also check the excess charge – if the amount you’re claiming is less than the excess, it’s probably not worth making the claim.

• Fill in the claim form as accurately as you can and return it within the time limit, but keep a copy for your records. Never lie or exaggerate on a claim form as this will invalidate your claim and be classed as fraud, which is a criminal offence.

• Before you submit your claim, read the small print to ensure there are no conditions that prevent you from claiming and check if it’s a ‘new-for-old’ policy. These will cover the cost of buying a new item to the value you originally paid for the one that’s been damaged or stolen (not the value based on its age and depreciation). For large claims, consider getting help from a loss assessor.

•

Supply any supporting documents, such as receipts or expenses, with your claim form. Keep the originals and send off copies (or vice versa if the insurer requests the originals).

• If someone has been injured it’s definitely a good idea to make a claim, as a personal injury can be expensive, especially if it has long-term effects.

• For car-related claims, make sure you take the name, address and telephone number of anyone else involved, as well as their car registration and insurance details. Take photos of the number plate and any damage, as well as the contact details of any witnesses.