Home Insurance Claim Process in India

What is a Home Insurance Claim?

A home insurance claim is a formal request made by the policyholder to the insurer to compensate for losses or damages covered under the policy. You can file a claim for incidents such as fire, burglary, theft, earthquake, flood, or any other peril mentioned in your property insurance policy document. Once the claim is verified and approved, the insurer reimburses the repair or replacement cost based on the terms of your coverage.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Claiming Home Insurance

Home insurance provides various coverages customised according to your specific needs, including building coverage, contents protection, property liability, and additional options. Before the need to raise a claim arises, here are essential steps to take:

• Understand the risks covered and exclusions of the homeowner insurance policy before buying it.
• Familiarise yourself with the required claim documents and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact your insurer.
• Adhere to the terms and conditions of your policy throughout its tenure.
• Keep your mandatory documents safe. Maintain digital copies for accessibility in case of emergencies.
• At the time of purchase, provide accurate values for your household belongings.
• In case of damage, immediately inform both the insurance company and the relevant authorities, like the local police or fire brigade.

8 Steps to File a Home Insurance Claim

While raising home insurance claims, time plays a crucial role. Responding immediately to prevent further losses becomes vital, especially in the event of a fire outbreak or vandalism.

In case your damaged house does not fit to accommodate after the damages, connect with your insurer for financial assistance to cover the cost of temporary accommodation until the restoration process is completed.

Here is a step-by-step guide to filing house insurance claims online:

• Step 1: Report Claim Immediately
  The first thing comes first. If you have purchased home insurance online from Policybazaar.com, you can use the 24/7 claim assistance team to register your claims. However, if you purchased it offline, please contact your insurance agent or visit the nearest branch office of your insurance provider.
• Step 2: Notify Authorities
  In case of theft or fire, inform the authorities, such as the local police or fire brigade. Next, obtain a copy of the FIR for the purpose of claim settlement.
• Step 3: Gather Evidence
  If cameras are installed on your premises, you must collect the evidence, such as photographs, videos, or CCTV footage. Submit all this evidence to the insurance company.
• Step 4: Third-Party Claims
  In case the damage is caused to the insured building by a third party, inform your insurer, who will raise a claim house insurance with the third party's insurer.
• Step 5: Get an Estimated Expense Quote
  Before making repairs or replacements in your insured home, send the estimated expense quote to your insurance company.
• Step 6: Surveyor Assessment
  The insurer will assign a surveyor to assess your claim. The surveyor will investigate the emergencies, inspect evidence, and estimate the damage. Moreover, the surveyor will share further loss-prevention steps. In the case of third-party claims and liabilities, he will examine the extent of policy coverage.
• Step 7: Document Submission
  Once the surveyor verifies and accepts the claim, submit all required documents to the insurer.
• Step 8: Claim Reimbursement
  In the case of complex claims, it might take time, and even the insurer may decide to reimburse the claim payout amount in installments. However, if the claims are simple, the claim amount will be refunded immediately.

Documents Required for Raising Home Insurance Claims

Following is the list of common documents for raising homeowner insurance claims, along with some additional documents required based on the claim type:

Common Documents for All Claims

• Duly filled and signed claim form
• Copy of policy document and policy number
• Photographs/videos of damaged property
• ID proof and address proof of the policyholder
• Repair or replacement estimates from a vendor

Additional Documents Based on Claim Type

• Fire Damage: Fire brigade report & cause of fire report.
• Burglary/Theft: FIR copy, list of stolen items, and purchase invoices.
• Natural Disaster: Certificate from local authority & photos of area damage.
• Loss of Rent: Copy of rental agreement, tenant details.

*Disclaimer:These are general documents required for raising property insurance claims. Additional documents may be required depending on the cause of the damage.

Timelines for Home Insurance Claim Settlement

*Note: Timelines may vary depending on the insurer and complexity of the claim.

Duties of the Policyholder While Filing a Home Insurance Claim

As a policyholder, you have specific responsibilities to ensure your claim is processed quickly and without dispute:

• Notify your insurer and authorities immediately.
• Protect your property from further damage (e.g., switch off the electrical supply after a fire outbreak).
• Cooperate with the surveyor and provide accurate information.
• Do not carry out repairs before the surveyor's inspection unless necessary for safety.
• Submit documents within the stipulated time.

Common Reasons for Home Insurance Claim Rejection

Understanding why claims get rejected helps you avoid mistakes:

• Delay in claim intimation or document submission
• Filing a claim for exclusions (e.g., normal wear and tear, poor maintenance)
• Policy expired or premium unpaid
• Underinsurance (sum insured lower than property value)
• Misrepresentation or incomplete information during claim filing

What to Do If Your Claim Is Delayed or Rejected?

If your claim is delayed or you disagree with the insurer's decision:

• Contact your insurer's Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) with your claim ID.
• If unresolved within 15 days, escalate the issue to the Insurance Ombudsman or lodge a complaint on the IRDAI's Grievance Management System.
• Keep all correspondence, surveyor reports, and acknowledgements for reference.

8 Tips to Avoid Home Insurance Claims Rejection

Here are a few points that you can pay attention to avoid claim rejection by your home insurance company:

• Provide a detailed list and value of damaged contents.
• Explain the cause of damage with supporting evidence.
• Specify the total loss amount.
• Keep your home insurance policy number accessible.
• Follow up with the insurer once claims are raised.
• Respond instantly to queries and provide all requested details.
• Be present during the inspection by the surveyor.
• Take all the preventive measures to avoid claim rejection.

Example Scenarios of Homeowner Insurance Claims

Example 1 – Fire in Kitchen:
A short circuit causes a kitchen fire, damaging cabinets and appliances. The insured informs the insurer within 24 hours, files a fire brigade report, and the claim is settled within 20 days.

Example 2 – Theft During Vacation:
Burglary occurs while the homeowner is away. After filing an FIR and submitting itemised invoices, the insurer reimburses the loss under the burglary cover.

Example 3 – Flood Damage:
Heavy rainfall damages flooring and electrical systems. After the surveyor's visit and submission of repair estimates, the claim is settled within a month.