Common Causes of Property Insurance Claims

Whilst it’s impossible to predict the time or type of property damage that may occur, an awareness of the common causes of property insurance claims might help you to stay vigilant and lower the chances of an incident occurring in your home.

causes of property insurance claims

That’s why we’ve put together the following list of the most common causes of property insurance claims we see filed, along with our advice to help you with prevention – and to protect you should the worst happen.

Additionally, it’s always worth taking out good quality and comprehensive insurance on your property and contents. It’s worth noting that these policies may cost a little more in premiums. However, will often be far more user-friendly if you do have a claim. Look at reviews before you commit – specifically reviews from previous claimants regarding how effectively their claim has been dealt with. Choosing carefully means if disaster does strike, structural damage to your property and damage/loss of furnishings and possessions will be properly covered.

Our Top 3 Claims

Escape of Water

Escape of water is one of the most common types of property insurance claims. In fact, escape of water caused 29% of all property insurance claims filed in the UK in 2019. But what actually is ‘escape of water’? This is a type of claim caused by a water leak from a pipe, water tank, shower or water-using appliance. If you’re wondering why so many of these claims are filed, a survey by LeakBot may lend some explanation. According to their findings, 20% of property owners have suffered not just one, but three or more water leaks! It’s easy to see why escape of water is one of the most common causes of property claims in the UK. Especially with such a large number of appliances having the potential to cause leaks in a home.

causes of property insurance claims

Filing a Claim

According to the Association of British Insurers, escape of water claims cost UK insurers £2.5 million a day. This adds up to nearly £1 billion a year – a figure that continues to rise.

For example, in 2021, water leak insurance claims collectively cost insurers £175m – up 30% from the previous year.

But why are we seeing such an escalation in costs?

  • The number of insurance claims for water leaks has steadily increased over the last few years due to the severe temperature fluctuations in the UK.

  • The cost of repairing the resulting property damage is rising. This is due, in part, to supply issues caused by the recent pandemic, resulting in sharp increases in material costs. 

Our Advice to Avoid an Escape of Water Claim

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes – Add inexpensive foam insulation to your pipes. Especially to those located in unheated areas like attics, garages, or crawl spaces can help keep water inside above freezing point. This simple action reduces the risk of your pipes freezing during prolonged periods.

  • Leave the heating on low – We recommend leaving your heating on around 12°C, even when you’re away from your property.

  • Seal air leaks – Seal any air leaks near to pipes. This will prevent cold air from entering your property and freezing the pipes.

For more information and advice on how to handle escape of water insurance claims, click here.

Fire & Explosion

Fire and explosion are next on our list of common causes of property insurance claims. As a matter of fact, in 2019, fire and explosion claims comprised 17% of all home insurance claims. That’s the equivalent to 17 in every 100, or 1.7 of every ten domestic property claims!

causes of property insurance claims

Filing a Claim

According to the ABI, fire is one of the most expensive property insurance claims. In fact, £1.3 billion were paid out to customers in 2018.  No matter the cause, a fire can bring extensive damage to your home or commercial premises. Knowing how to accurately ‘rebuild’ your life and get back to your pre-loss state can be really hard to do – particularly when you have little experience.

There is an alternative to managing your claim alone. Instead, you can appoint a Loss Assessor like Property Claim Assist. In sum, our role is to work as your partner to achieve a full and fair settlement under your current policy. We work tirelessly to try and ensure this is the outcome in every case.

Our Advice to Avoid a Claim

  • Fit Smoke alarms – Did you know nearly one-in-ten households in England and Wales do not have a working fire alarm? Minimise the damage that fires cause to you and your belongings. Fit smoke alarms in every circulation space (hallways and landings) on each floor and in the room most frequently used for general daytime living. Being alerted to a fire is the best chance you have to protect yourself and your property.

  • Do not overload extension leads – This advice is even more important in the run up to Christmas. Monitor leads and adaptors carefully as they can only handle a limited electrical workload. Conduct regular checks to ensure that you do not plug in too much at once.
  • Switch off appliances at night – Appliances not required overnight should be switched off and unplugged. Regularly check all cables and wiring to reduce fire risks.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to file a fire insurance claim, read our helpful advice on how to achieve the best settlement possible here.

Weather-Related

One of the other most common causes of property insurance claims in 2019 was weather – responsible for 11% of all claims. Flooding is the greatest natural disaster risk in the UK, with an estimated 1 in 6 properties in England and Wales now at risk of flooding.

causes of property insurance claims

Filing a Claim

According to the ABI, domestic property claims for weather-related incidents more than doubled in 2020 compared to 2019. This totalled £459 million in claims and accounted for 20.7% of the gross claims total. Multiple storms, including Storm Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, hit the UK in February 2022. In line with figures provided by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Insurers are expected to pay out nearly £500 million in dealing with 177,000 insurance claims alone.

With such a large number of claims for insurers to deal with, if you’ve suffered damage, you want to give yourself the best chance possible of receiving the settlement you deserve. Check out our top tips on how to handle storm damage insurance claims here.

Our Advice to Avoid a Weather-Related Claim

  • Always stay up to date with the latest weather updates via the MET office – Being aware of severe weather conditions means you can do all in your power to protect your property. 

  • Secure outdoor items – Prevent storms from blowing away or damaging outdoor items like furniture, grills, and umbrellas

  • Check your gutters – Clean your gutters regularly to prevent clogs, which can lead to water damage to your home.

  • Trim trees and remove dead branches – Trees and branches can damage your roof or windows during severe weather. Make sure to trim them regularly.
  • Maintain landscaping – Make sure that your landscaping does not direct water towards your home. This can cause water damage during heavy rain.

Moreover, visit our advice on how to prepare your property for high winds caused by storms and flooding here.

The Invaluable Support of a Loss Assessor

Property Claim Assist director Simon Colburn states that “By far the best chance that a homeowner has of achieving a fair settlement is to get their own representation. Claimants are unlikely to be experts in dealing with insurance terminology or policy documents. As a result, they cannot enter into negotiations on an even playing field with the insurer’s loss adjuster. They need someone in their corner.” This is one of the key advantages of appointing a loss assessor like Property Claim Assist.

If you need assistance with your property insurance claim for any of the reasons listed, do not hesitate to get in touch. Speak directly with our team on 0333 577 2720 . Find out how we’ll take care of the entire process, take the stress off your shoulders and achieve the best outcome for your case.

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Client Feedback

Reviews from previous policyholders that have appointed Property Claim Assist to manage their claim.

We pride ourselves on managing your property insurance claim, ensuring that we take the weight off your shoulders, with a stress free process.

“Thank goodness I had these guys by my side”

After a traumatic accidental house fire I was a little lost on how to deal with the insurance and the claim. I reached out to these guys and thank god I did! Simon and everyone else at Property Claim Assist were invaluable and I honestly don’t know if I could have got through it all without them. Handling a big and complex insurance claim is very stressful and complicated. The guys at PCA explained how everything worked and guided me through it all and took up a lot of slack and a lot of the work. Thank goodness I had these guys to depend on.

Paul, Fire Insurance Claim
“Professional Handling of the Claim while I was Overseas”
Professional, timely, efficient and effective handling of a massive Escape of Water Claim in a Grade II listed cottage. Gary knows the process, has the contacts and gets things done. I was having to deal with this loss while overseas, so having the Property Claim Assist interfacing with the insurance company, surveyor and contractors was a godsend. Would not have had such a fabulous remediation without Property Claim Assist.

Dr Ford, Fire Insurance Claim, Fire Insurance Claim

“Amazing from start to finish”

Where do I start…Property Claim Assist took our case on when no one else would. They have been brilliant from day 1. We were fighting a loosing battle with the insurance company. They were 100% professional and adept from start to finish. They have been patient and empathetic and got the job done. We will be forever grateful to PCA. The experience has been life changing in many ways but we are in a massively better off position than we were before we contacted them. I cannot recommend PC Assist highly enough.

Alison, Property Insurance Claim, Fire Insurance Claim