What if I have to make a claim?
If in the unfortunate event you have to make a claim on your policy if you taken the following steps this will assist in you getting your claim settled speedily and in full:-
- Keep receipts for anything of significant value as this will act as a valuation and also as proof of purchase
- Take and keep photographs of valuable items
- Record any serial/model numbers
- Keep a note of how old items are as this may have a bearing on replacements you get
- Keep your insurance documents in a safe place and know where they are.
- Always read through your documentation thoroughly to ensure you are covered for everything you believe you are and contact your broker about anything you do not understand
- Check regularly that your insurance is up to date
- Keep a note of the contact details of your broker/insurer handy. Remember you may need to leave your home in case of emergency
- You should notify your broker if you have one as soon as is practically possible if you believe you need to make a claim. If you deal directly with the insurer then you would need to contact them.
BIBA members can be found nationwide, so there is bound to be one near you. More information, including our find-a-broker service, is available at www.biba.org.uk
Where do I go for advice?
There are a huge amount of policies on the market for household insurance and the cost and cover provided can vary widely. It is always best to talk to an insurance broker. As an independent expert who knows the market, they will help you decide what kind of cover you need, and choose the right insurer to meet your requirements at the most reasonable cost.
An insurance broker will put your interests first. They work for you, not the insurance company. You can therefore be sure of impartial advice at all times, a choice of products, and a helping hand.
BIBA – the British Insurance Brokers’ Association – is the largest trade association for insurance brokers. All BIBA members offer the highest professional standards and financial integrity, and always place the interests of their clients first and are regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
