Make a claim

The claims handler will ask for details of your claim and explain any policy excess that may apply. The more details you can provide during the first call, the quicker the claims process will be.

Please always have your policy details at hand and try to give a full explanation of how the accident or incident occurred. We don’t always need receipts for your contents but for valuable or unique items, receipts may speed up the process of settling the claim.

We'll let you know what information we need when you start your online claim. There is plenty of guidance included to help you with your responses.

Once you've sent your claim, we'll send you a confirmation and keep you updated on its progress as usual.

If you’re claiming for accidental damage to your contents, the claims handler will decide whether it's possible to repair the item(s). The claims handler may also allocate a supplier to inspect the item(s) to help with this decision.

If the item can't be repaired the claims handler will look to find a replacement item of similar quality. If this is not possible they will agree a cash payment based on the replacement value. We may make a reduction for wear tear or betterment (we don't cover wear and tear to underground services). A supplier may also be allocated to value and replace the item.

The supplier will give you the option of a replacement or a cash settlement. They might also ask for receipts and photos of the damaged item. If we do pay cash the amount we pay will reflect any discounts we may have received had we replaced the property.

If you’re claiming for damage to your buildings, the claims handler may send a surveyor to your home to value the work that needs to be done. The appointed surveyor will validate the damage and if the claim is covered a cash settlement will be offered that you can use to pay for the repairs. With Specialist Home Insurance, we'll discuss settlement options with you and your preference. If you’d like the work to be completed for you, then a tradesperson will be contacted to carry out the work.

If you’re claiming for a large loss such as a flood, escape of water (for example a burst pipe), fire or subsidence, the claims handler may send a loss adjuster to your home to survey the damage caused.

The loss adjuster will then contact the correct tradesperson and suppliers to repair the damage and manage the process for you. They’ll offer a cash settlement if you prefer.

If you take a cash settlement, this will be paid directly into your account when the amount has been agreed, and this is when your claim will be closed.

If your items are being replaced, the claim will be closed once you have received them.

If a loss adjuster has been appointed, your claim will be closed once you accept a cash settlement paid directly into your account, or all works are complete and replacement items have been provided.

If any excess is due to be applied this will be deducted from the settlement amount. If there is no settlement amount, the excess will be collected from you by the supplier.