If something goes wrong in your home, gathering the information and evidence you need to claim on your home insurance can feel like extra time you just don’t have.
However, there are a few things you can do to smooth the process if you plan ahead.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to put your plan into action – but it’s good to know it’s there. So here’s four ways to save time when claiming on your home insurance:
- Keep a copy of your policy
- Create a list of your most valuable items
- Make the claim as soon as possible
- Carry out temporary repairs
Keep a copy of your policy
If you’re having an emergency, you don't need to be rummaging around for your home insurance details. Download it to your laptop and phone so you know where it is in a hurry. Have your insurer’s contact number stored on your phone. Keep a note of your policy number, too.
Create a list of your most valuable items
This could save you lots of time and stress should you ever need to make a claim. Consider creating a spreadsheet and you can set up your list of items room by room.
List the item, the make, the serial number, and how much you paid for it. If you're unsure of some of these details, there are a few places to look. These include owners’ manuals, the manufacturer or supplier’s website. Check your email for confirmations.
If any of your valuable items are worth more than £1,500, make sure you've specified them on your policy.
Make the claim as soon as possible
If it doesn't feel like an emergency, you may be tempted to leave it until after the weekend. But the sooner you report it, the quicker your insurer can set things in motion. AXA’s Home Insurance lines are open 24/7 or you can register your home insurance claim online.
If you’ve had items stolen or vandalised, report it to the police as soon as possible too. You’ll need the crime incident number for your claim.
Carry out temporary repairs
Damage can become worse and take longer to repair if left alone. For example, if a roof leak isn’t stopped, the water will continue to seep into your home. This could result in more damage and an expensive repair. Keep the receipts if you have to call out an emergency repairer.
If you need to make repairs fast, AXA’s domestic helpline is available to all customers, at any time of day. We can help you get an approved repairer out as quickly as possible, but you'll need to pay the repair costs. However, with AXA Home Assistance, we'll cover you for up to £1,500 per claim for call out, labour, parts and materials with AXA Premier Home Insurance. If you have AXA Plus Home Insurance or AXA Home Insurance, we'll cover up to £1,000 per claim for call out, labour, parts and materials.
Take these simple steps, and you can save time (and stress) if the worst happens. It's always reassuring to know that you've got it covered. If you haven't yet, get a quote for AXA Home Insurance.
