Home Insurance possible claim advice

robroy

We have had some flooding in my area and my summer house got washed away and written off. I also had some damage to some roofing cement and a crack in a sky light. 

At the time it happened I thought with an excess of £350 its not worth claiming as it could push my prices up. My neighbour got completely flooded and his claim will be about £60k. I did not want a black mark on my insurance in case it happens to us. 

The summer house would cost £1,500-£2,500 to replace with a quality one. 

If anyone has any advice about would they claim or not that would be great. 

Thanks

hoof_it_up_to_benty

robroy said:

We have had some flooding in my area and my summer house got washed away and written off. I also had some damage to some roofing cement and a crack in a sky light. 

At the time it happened I thought with an excess of £350 its not worth claiming as it could push my prices up. My neighbour got completely flooded and his claim will be about £60k. I did not want a black mark on my insurance in case it happens to us. 

The summer house would cost £1,500-£2,500 to replace with a quality one. 

If anyone has any advice about would they claim or not that would be great. 

Thanks

How much flooding has there been in your area? It's hard to know how insurance companies will hike up prices if a lot of properties have been affected in your area.

robroy

I live in West Yorkshire so plenty.

It is just my neighbour claiming though currently. I have been told I am covered for flooding currently with no issues. It has flooded twice down there in 25 years  

LenGlover

The insurance company will have a record of 'storm damage' so, in theory, the claim wouldn't be contested too much if valid and made reasonably quickly.

However, some policies exempt outbuildings like sheds. Is a summer house a shed for insurance purposes? Read the small print I guess.

Some buildings policies have no claims clauses like motor insurance too I believe. Again read the small print.

Probably not what you wanted to read but points to consider.

hoof_it_up_to_benty

I'm assuming you're not in a high risk area but if you claim for flooding you'll have to declare this on future policies which will obviously as you say bump up premiums. Each insurer will treat this differently so it's tricky to answer. 

You could have a look at some online quotes to see how they vary?

Bangkokaddick

It's worth claiming. You aren't alone in the area, it's not your fault and it's possible all policies covering flood in the area will have an increased premium anyway.

Underwriters know if you're in a flood prone area by a simple postcode check. They probably all have software that deals with this and their computers will automatically come up with any additional premiums or higher deductibles if you're in a flood prone area.

If you have a no claims discount on your household policy you will of course losee it. Some complanies will impose a load following a claim, others won't, but it shouldn't be that much and if you don't like it you can shop around.

Cardinal Sin

If your Summer House is included in the policy and it's £1500 to £2500 to replace against a £350 excess, it seems a no-brainer. What's the point having insurance if you aren't going to claim when necessary? Your premiums will rise anyway next year along with everyone elses.

LenGlover

Very good point about others claiming. They will probably load anyway based on area if losses are excessive in their eyes when it comes to renewal time or increase compulsory excesses as an alternative.

Rizzo

hoof_it_up_to_benty said:

I'm assuming you're not in a high risk area but if you claim for flooding you'll have to declare this on future policies which will obviously as you say bump up premiums. Each insurer will treat this differently so it's tricky to answer. 

You could have a look at some online quotes to see how they vary?

You will almost certainly have to declare it even if you don't claim. Insurers generally ask if you have had any incidents in the last x years, not just claims. 

Salad

What Rizzo is important, you have to declare to insurers, and to prospective buyers in the future, whether you claim or not.
Flood Re Insurance (which we all contribute to via a levy) should keep a lid on future insurance prices (look into it).

robroy

Brilliant thanks guys

stonemuse

Cardinal Sin said:

If your Summer House is included in the policy and it's £1500 to £2500 to replace against a £350 excess, it seems a no-brainer. What's the point having insurance if you aren't going to claim when necessary? Your premiums will rise anyway next year along with everyone elses.

That’s the way I’d view it too.