How to Make A Home Insurance Claim

A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a home insurance claim can seem daunting, especially during the stress of dealing with damage or loss. However, understanding the process and knowing who to turn to for help can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the claims process efficiently and ensure you get the full entitlements under your policy.

1. Assess the Damage

Immediate Action: Take a thorough look at the damage caused to your property. Document everything meticulously. Take photographs and write down details such as how, when, and where the damage occurred.
Preserve Evidence: Keep any damaged items as evidence until your insurance company advises otherwise.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy

Check Your Coverage: Consult your insurance policy booklet to understand what events are covered and the required excess. This will give you a clear picture of what you can claim for.
Understand Your Rights: Knowing your coverage helps in ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation.

3. Contact OMC Claims for Assistance

Free Consultation: Call OMC Claims, Ireland’s leading loss assessing business, for a free consultation. Their experienced team will guide you through every aspect of your insurance claim, ensuring you receive the full entitlements of your insurance policy.
Expert Guidance: OMC Claims has handled thousands of claims, making them experts in the field. They will help you navigate the claims process with minimal fuss and stress.

4. Report the Damage to Your Insurance Company

Initiate the Claim: Contact your insurance company’s claims hotline to report the damage. Provide them with all the documented details and photographs of the damage.
Follow Up: Keep a record of your communication with the insurance company, including names of representatives and any reference numbers for your claim.
OMC Claims is fully equipped to handle this task for you.

5. Share Claim Details with Your Handler

Claim Details: Provide your insurance claims handler with detailed information about the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Next Steps: Depending on the severity and nature of your claim, your handler will advise you on the next steps to take.
OMC Claims can take on this task on your behalf.

6. Emergency Repairs

Urgent Repairs: If your claim involves urgent issues like broken windows or burst pipes, you should have emergency repairs completed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Emergency Assistance: Contact the 24-hour Emergency Home Assist Helpline provided by your insurance company to connect with approved repairers.

7. Complete and Return the Claims Form

Form Submission: Fill out the claims form provided by your insurance company and return it as soon as possible. Include estimates for repairs and any other necessary documentation.
Hold Off on Repairs: Wait for confirmation from your insurance company before proceeding with any repairs or redecorating.
Let OMC Claims handle this task for you as part of our Claims Service.

8. Work with Your Adjuster

Adjuster Assignment: Once your claim is registered, you will be assigned an adjuster who will remain your point of contact throughout the process.
Site Visit: The adjuster may visit your home to assess the damage and determine the type of claim.
You are entitled to appoint your own assessor, such as OMC Claims, to work with the adjuster on your behalf.

9. Making a Claim for Stolen or Maliciously Damaged Property

Inform Authorities: If your property has been lost, stolen, or maliciously damaged, inform the Gardaí immediately. You will need to provide a Garda report as part of your claim.
Provide Documentation: Submit the Garda report along with your claims form to your insurance company.

10. Final Steps and Settlement

Claim Settlement: Once the settlement is agreed upon, your insurance company will arrange for repairs or replacements. In some cases, you may receive a cash settlement.
Reimbursement: If you have made emergency repairs, keep all receipts to submit for reimbursement.

Why Choose OMC Claims?

Expert Guidance: Insurance can be tricky, but OMC Claims are here to make it simple. With our specialised expertise, we ensure you get the most out of your policy coverage.
Relax and Let Us Handle It: No need to stress over the complexities of insurance claims. OMC Claims takes care of everything, making the process smooth and worry-free for you.
All-Around Assistance: From dissecting your insurance policy to utilising our insider knowledge, OMC Claims ensures you get the settlement you are entitled to in record time.
No Obligation Call: Curious about how we can help? Give OMC Claims a call for a friendly chat and free advice, even if you decide not to proceed with our service

Glossary of Key Insurance Terms

Excess: The initial amount you pay out of pocket in the event of a claim. This is a fixed amount specified in your policy.
Average Clause: A provision in insurance policies that reduces the payout if the insured amount is less than the actual value of the insured property. It ensures the insurer only pays a proportionate amount of the claim.
Underinsurance: When the insured value of your property or contents is less than their actual value. This can result in reduced payouts in the event of a claim.
Indemnity: The principle of making good a loss, returning the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss occurred.
Loss Adjuster: A professional appointed by the insurance company to assess the damage and determine the amount to be paid for a claim.
Assessor: An expert, like those at OMC Claims, who works on behalf of the policyholder to assess and negotiate insurance claims.
Policy Booklet: A document that outlines the terms, conditions, and coverage of your insurance policy.
Claim Handler: An individual appointed by the insurance company to manage your claim from start to finish.
Settlement: The amount paid by the insurance company to cover a claim.
Emergency Repairs: Immediate repairs required to prevent further damage to the property. These costs can be reimbursed if covered under your policy.