Make a home insurance claim that gets paid

Use this guide after a leak, storm, fire, accidental damage or burglary affects your home or belongings. Have your policy schedule and documents, photos of the damage and any receipts or bank statements ready. If anyone is in danger, call 999 first and make the property safe before thinking about the claim.

Step by step

1. Make safe and record everything

   Stop further damage if you can do so safely, for example by turning off the water at the stopcock or covering a broken window. Before cleaning up, photograph and video every affected room from several angles, including close-ups and anything that shows the cause. Keep damaged items unless they are a health hazard, as the insurer may want to see them; if you must throw something away, photograph it first and note its make and model. Keep receipts for emergency work, such as a plumber or board-up service, as reasonable costs are often covered.