Accidental loss or damage, escape of water, and storm damage have been identified as the top three issues prompting claims on home insurance policies in 2022, according to a recent report by Go.Compare.
Drawing upon last year’s data, the report indicated that accidental loss or damage was the primary reason behind home insurance claims, making up 28% of all such claims.
More than 21,500 claims were lodged due to such incidents, ranging from accidental drilling into pipes to carpet spills and other unexpected mishaps.
Escape of water claims were not far behind, accounting for 26% of all claims in 2022. This category encapsulates instances where damage is caused by water leaks in the home, whether from burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or even persistently dripping taps.
Storm damage also featured highly, responsible for 13% of home insurance claims, demonstrating the significant impact of adverse weather conditions on homes across the UK.
Further down the list, theft from home, including outbuildings, and accidental loss or damage occurring away from home, both shared 7% of the total claims.
Go.Compare’s home insurance expert, Ceri McMillan, reminded homeowners that while certain mishaps are unavoidable, preventive measures can be taken to limit the necessity of making a claim.
These include regular checks and swift repairs for weather damage, such as loose tiles or broken guttering; insulating external pipes and taps to avoid freezing and bursting; maintaining trees close to the property to avoid damage from falling branches, and enhancing home security to deter potential thieves.
McMillan also emphasised the importance of understanding the details of individual home insurance policies, as the extent of the coverage can differ widely between insurers and specific policies.
“Finding the right cover is crucial, and using an online comparison tool can save homeowners both time and money,” McMillan concluded.
