The following steps should be taken to file a claim under building insurance:
Step 1: Inform the company:
Notify your insurance company. You must not try to undo the damage yourself if you have insurance that covers the damage that you have suffered. Next, one must prevent further damage. If you move, your property you may risk having your claim denied. The company has the right to question you about the incident and investigate the cause of the damage.
Step 2: Share these documents with the insurer:
Burglary/theft/ or any criminal activity: In this case, one must inform the police because the company would demand so. A copy of the FIR is also required.
You need to act immediately if the potential damage is high. It would also be in your best interest to submit evidence to support your claim. Many companies require just filling out a form but many others involve long communication before any action can be taken. This could obviously take a while but one should be patient to avail the damage cost of the loss.
Proof of ownership might also need to be submitted according to the terms and conditions of the policy. If your policy covers contents as well then you might need to show your receipts to the company. Or, you will have to demonstrate that your claim value is reasonable. After the documents, have been surveyed you are entitled to the cash.
Making a claim on a partially damaged house:
- Inform the company with a duly attested filled form with a fair estimate of the repairing work. Do not undertake any repairing work because this may lead to a denial of your claim.
- A surveyor will assess the damage done to your house and prepare the damage report.
- The insurer will either accept or reject the claim based on the report.
- After your claim, has been accepted, the surveyor will re-visit your house and make a report of the cost of repair.
- A cheque will be sent to you at your postal address.
Click here to know what is covered under building insurance
Building insurance claims may be rejected for several reasons, including:
- Policy exclusions: Claims that fall outside the scope of policy coverage, such as damages caused by intentional acts or wear and tear.
- Non-disclosure: Failure to disclose relevant information, such as pre-existing damages or renovations, may result in a claim rejection.
- Negligence: Failure to take reasonable care to prevent damages, such as leaving a tap running or not securing the property, may result in a claim rejection.
- Fraud: Providing false information or exaggerating damages may result in a claim rejection and legal consequences.
- Policy limits: Claims that exceed the policy limits or deductibles may result in a partial or complete claim rejection.
Case on Claim Filing for Building Insurance
Mr. Sanjay lived in a beautiful house with his wife and children. He was a software engineer and had to stay at the office for the better part of the day. His wife who was a teacher began her day at nine in the morning.
The house was empty. One afternoon, on returning after school hours, Kavita found the door ajar. Upon entering, she noticed a few things were missing. The walls were broken and there was a fire in the kitchen, she panicked and called the police. Meanwhile, she had to move things about to stop the fire from spreading. Her actions saved the house from a major loss. But it was later assessed that they had lost possessions worth Rs. 140,000.
After Kavita and Sanjay had filed the FIR and the police inquiries were over, they called the insurance company to file the claim for the building insurance policy.
The insurer sent an assessment officer to assess the loss and after completing the documentation reimbursed the loss to the couple.
About The Author
Shivani
MBA Insurance and Risk
She has a passion for property insurance and a wealth of experience in the field, Shivani has been a valuable contributor to SecureNow for the past six years. As a seasoned writer, they specialize in crafting insightful articles and engaging blogs that educate and inform readers about the intricacies of property insurance. She brings a unique blend of expertise and practical knowledge to their writing, drawing from her extensive background in the insurance industry. Having worked in various capacities within the sector, she deeply understands the challenges and opportunities facing property owners and insurers alike.
