What Is a Home Insurance Claim?
A home insurance claim is a formal request made by a policyholder to the insurance company to compensate for losses or damages covered under the policy. The claim can be raised for:
- Structural damage to the building (e.g., fire, floods, earthquakes)
- Loss or damage to household contents (e.g., theft, burglary, short-circuit)
- Additional living expenses (if the home becomes temporarily uninhabitable)
Typically, these coverages are included under a standard home insurance policy or can be availed through optional add-ons.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Home Insurance Claim Online
With Policybazaar.com, filing a home insurance claim online becomes smoother and stress-free:
Step 1: Inform Your Insurance Provider Immediately
As soon as the incident occurs, contact Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited through their helpline number, email, or mobile app. A delay in informing can lead to claim rejection. Also, keep your policy number and details of the incident ready when reporting.
Step 2: Lodge a Police Report (If Applicable)
If the damage or loss involves theft, burglary, vandalism, or malicious acts, file an FIR at the nearest police station. Get a report copy; it will be required during claim verification.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Before making any repairs, take clear photos or videos of the damaged property and belongings. Next, prepare an inventory list of items affected and their approximate value, purchase receipts, or bills if available. These proofs help the surveyor assess your claim accurately.
Step 4: Fill Out the Claim Form
Fill in the home insurance claim form, available on the insurer's website or app. It includes details like policy number, date and nature of loss, estimated loss amount, supporting documents (photos, bills, FIR copy, etc). Lastly, submit the completed form either online or at the nearest branch.
Step 5: Surveyor Visit & Assessment
After receiving your claim, the insurer appoints a licensed surveyor to inspect the damage. The surveyor visits your home, assesses the extent of damage, and prepares a detailed report. You need to cooperate fully and provide all other requested documents to avoid delays.
Step 6: Claim Verification & Approval
The insurer verifies your claim based on policy coverage terms, the surveyor's report and submitted documents. If everything is correct, the insurer approves the claim amount.
*Disclaimer: The process described above outlines the general steps for raising a home insurance claim, followed by most insurers. However, the exact procedure may vary depending on your insurance provider and policy terms. Check this before raising claims.
How to Track a Home Insurance Claim?
After filing, you can easily track your claim status through various channels, as explained below:
- Official Website:
Log in to your insurer's portal using your policy number or claim ID.
- Mobile App:
Many insurers offer claim tracking under the "My Claims" or "Track Status" section.
- Customer Care:
Call the helpline or write to customer support for real-time updates.
- Email Alerts & SMS:
You will receive regular notifications about claim progress.
Documents Required for Home Insurance Claim
The documents required for raising a home insurance claim vary from insurer to insurer & claim type. However, you will need the following ones:
- Duly filled claim form
- Home insurance policy copy
- FIR (for theft or malicious acts)
- Fire brigade report (in case of fire)
- Repair/replacement estimates or invoices
- Photographs or video evidence
- Surveyor's report
5 Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
Here are the 5 biggest reasons why your home insurance claims are rejected:
- Delay in claim intimation
- False or exaggerated claims
- Damages not covered under the policy
- Lack of supporting documents
- Negligence or poor home maintenance
5 Tips to Avoid Home Insurance Claim Rejection
Here are 5 tips that will help you in processing your claims smoothly and hassle-free:
- Review your policy terms before filing a claim to understand inclusions and exclusions.
- Avoid tampering with the damaged property until the surveyor inspects it.
- Maintain copies of all documents submitted.
- Follow up politely if the claim process seems delayed.
- Opt for online claim filing as it's faster and involves minimal documentation.
