Leaking pipes, smashed windows or a hole in your roof are all signs that you’ll soon be knocking the door of your home insurance provider. But while you may be relieved that your home insurance has got your back in case of a disaster, what would you do if your claim were to be rejected?
It’s important to understand the full coverage and limitations of your home insurance policy in order to avoid the possible denial of a claim. Here are few common reasons why your home insurance claim may not be successful.
You’ve neglected maintenance
Home insurance policies do not cover any losses occurring due to gradual wear and tear or poor maintenance. Your claim may be rejected if the insurer has reason to believe that the problem arose due to your negligence. For instance, if you have neglected a termite problem or a water leak that has led to the fall of the roof, the insurance provider may discover this in the course of their investigation and your claim may be considered invalid.
You don’t have the right cover
Based on the home insurance cover you have, you will be able to make a claim in case of loss or damages. While building cover protects just the physical premises, contents insurance extends to your belongings present inside the house. Furthermore, for items such as documents, jewelry, valuables and portable equipment, you will need a personal belongings cover to be able to make a claim. This means that if you do not have the appropriate cover, you will lose out and pay from your pocket.
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You’re under-insured
Your home needs to be insured with the correct level of cover. In cases where the value of your property exceeds the maximum amount that can be claimed, you will stand at a disadvantage. For example, if it’s going to cost you AED 100,000 to replace the damaged contents of your house, but you’re only covered for damages up to AED 40,000, then you’ll be paying a hefty AED 60,000 from your pocket. When insuring the contents of your house, it’s wise to check the single article limit of your valuables. So if you happen to lose items such as jewellery, antiques or gadgets you will be compensated up to the maximum amount mentioned in the policy.
You haven’t disclosed all facts
Once you file a claim, your insurance company will start its investigation and refer back to the initial agreement that was signed between the two parties. If any information provided by you is found to be false or exaggerated, your claim stands at a risk of being rejected or worse, can lead to cancellation of the policy. This is why it’s important to be honest and disclose accurate information about everything from the details of items you own, to past claims and others.
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Your claim falls under exclusions
It is wrong to assume that your home insurance policy extends to all things present in the house and protects you against all risks possible. The exclusions section within your policy outlines everything that the insurer will not cover. Some of the common exclusions not covered under a standard policy are perils like war and terrorism, mold, termites, electronic risks and others.
