Is it worth claiming off home insurance for 1,400 worth of damage?

[Blackrock1]

We lost some bargeboard during the storm so we need a section replaced, the house is 3 story thus a cherry picker is required. The cost of replacing this piece of trim is going to be 1,400 euro now. At this point is it worth looking into having our insurers cover it or is that a false economy?

 

[Alkers86]

for us a small claim, <5k did not affect our no claims bonus

 

[JoeRoberts]

I have never seen a no claims bonus on a house policy like I do on a car policy. Maybe it's there in the background.

 

[ClubMan]

There may not be any no claims bonus but it may be that claims below some amount don't trigger a loading on future premiums under an insurer's actuarial criteria.

Best to ask the insurer to clarify.

 

[demoivre]

You might find it hard to switch insurers at renewal if you've had a claim.

 

[Tuscany]

NCDs on home insurance are apparently very low; in my case, when I was discussing the possibility of a claim, I was told that it was only around 10% or less.

So, loss of no claims discount will not impact your premium to any great extent. What you need to get advice on is whether/how much the premium is likely to rise in the event of your claim, irrespective of any NCD loss. Contact your insurance company, or a broker should be in a position to offer advice, based on experience.

For 1,400 euro, I'd probably claim.

for us a small claim, <5k did not affect our no claims bonus

Did your premium increase following the claim?

 

[tallpaul]

Your premium increases would want to be more than €1,400 for it to be an a disincentive to make a claim...

 

[Tuscany]

The excess, would also of course be a factor in your decision.

 

[Blackrock1]

excess is 350, policy itself is around 1200, if it increase significantly for a number of years it would negate insurance covering the cost, but lets see what they say!

 

[S class]

Do you automatically renew the policy every year ?

I would always get a new policy quote from my existing insurance company and from other insurers.

Try seeking a new quote with no history of claims and also with a recent claim of 1400 euro or 1050 euro. You will then get an idea if it is economical to make the claim.

 

[Cervelo]

NCDs on home insurance are apparently very low; in my case, when I was discussing the possibility of a claim, I was told that it was only around 10% or less.

I'm with Aviva and my NCD is 40% which is a sizable add on if I was to claim and lost the discount

 

[10amwalker]

Blackrock 1, sorry to hear that you had damage from the storm. In December 2024 I went to a broker for the first time and never brought it to fruition so no insurance at the moment. We had 40 tiles off the roof so we will have to foot the bill. Part of the delay was trying to find a policy that would could my jewellery and my husband's watches. About 75K. I remember that you found a policy that you did not have to obtain valuations for jewellery and watches every year. I would appreciate if you could elaborate. Thanks

 

[ClubMan]

In December 2024 I went to a broker for the first time and never brought it to fruition so no insurance at the moment.

Having no insurance on your home for any period of time is absolutely crazy and should be rectified immediately separate from the jewellery cover if necessary.

 

[Blackrock1]

Blackrock 1, sorry to hear that you had damage from the storm. In December 2024 I went to a broker for the first time and never brought it to fruition so no insurance at the moment. We had 40 tiles off the roof so we will have to foot the bill. Part of the delay was trying to find a policy that would could my jewellery and my husband's watches. About 75K. I remember that you found a policy that you did not have to obtain valuations for jewellery and watches every year. I would appreciate if you could elaborate. Thanks

Hi we needed a specialist policy, originally it was a dual policy via Marsh as brokers but it got very expensive, nows its a RSA policy via dibl.ie!