Before you start
- Your policy number and policy documents
- Photos, receipts and any police or incident reports
Method 1 Right after the incident
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Step 1: Stay safe and limit damage
Deal with emergencies first. Then take reasonable steps to stop further damage, for example turning off water after a leak. Insurers expect this.
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Step 2: Report crimes and accidents
For theft, break-ins or road accidents, report to the police and note the reference number. Insurers often require it.
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Step 3: Don’t admit fault
After a car accident, exchange details with the other driver but don’t admit liability; leave that to the insurers.
Method 2 Gather your evidence
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Step 1: Photos and videos
Photograph the damage, the scene and serial numbers before anything is repaired or thrown away.
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Step 2: Proof of ownership and value
Find receipts, bank statements, warranties or the original box.
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Step 3: Repair quotes and reports
Get repair quotes, medical reports or travel provider letters, depending on the claim.
Method 3 Make the claim
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Step 1: Contact your insurer quickly
Call the claims line or use the insurer’s app or website. Many policies have time limits for reporting.
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Step 2: Complete the claim form honestly
Give accurate details. Exaggerating or leaving out facts can lead to the claim being refused and the policy cancelled.
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Step 3: Keep a record
Note your claim number, who you spoke to and when, and keep copies of every document and email.
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Step 4: Work with the assessor
For larger claims, a loss adjuster may visit. Ask questions and keep receipts for any emergency repairs you paid for.
If your claim is refused or underpaid
- Ask the insurer to explain the decision in writing and show which policy terms apply.
- Make a formal complaint using the insurer’s complaints process.
- If you’re still unhappy, take it to your country’s free insurance ombudsman or insurance regulator, usually within a set time after the final response.
Troubleshooting
The insurer is taking too long
Ask for a timeline in writing and chase regularly. Long unexplained delays can be raised as a complaint.
I don’t have receipts
Use bank or card statements, photos showing the item, manuals, or the item’s box to prove ownership and value.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an insurance claim take?
Simple claims can be paid within days; complex ones involving assessors or disputes can take weeks or months.
Will claiming raise my premium?
It can, especially for car insurance. Your insurer can tell you how a claim affects your renewal.
Summary
Make things safe, report crimes, and contact your insurer quickly with your policy number. Collect photos, receipts and reports, fill in the claim form honestly and keep copies of everything. If you’re refused, complain to the insurer, then to the insurance ombudsman.
