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, just in case. 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 in the middle of an emergency, the last thing you need is to be rummaging around for your home insurance policy details. Download it to your laptop and phone so you know where it is in a hurry. And at the very least, have your insurer’s contact number stored on your phone and keep a note of your policy number, too.
Create a list of your most valuable items
This may seem like a longwinded exercise – but it 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, its make, the serial number and how much you paid for it. You can find the information you need through owners’ manuals, the manufacturer or supplier’s website, or check your email for confirmations.
If any of your valuable items are worth more than £1,500 you'll have to make sure you've specified them on your policy.
Make the claim as soon as possible
This sounds obvious, but if it feels like a non-emergency, you may be tempted to leave it until after the weekend. Don’t, as 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, as 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 gather inside the structure, resulting in greater harm and a more expensive final repair. Keep the receipts if you have to call out an emergency tradesperson.
And if you need to make repairs fast, AXA’s domestic helpline is available any time of day to help you get an authorised contractor out as quickly as possible. AXA Assistance covers you for up to £1,500 per claim for call out, labour, parts and materials with AXA Premier Home Insurance, and up to £1,000 per claims for call out, labour, parts and materials with AXA Plus Home Insurance and AXA Home Insurance.
Take these simple steps, and you can save time (as well as stress and potentially money) if the worst happens. It's always reassuring to know that you've got it covered – and if you haven't yet, get a quote for AXA Home Insurance.
