Question
I have 3 houses. One is my home where i live with my family. The second is a holiday home for family use. The third is an investment property which is rented to a couple.
In January, I had an insurance claim for a leak at one of the properties. The other 2 home insurance policies are due for renewal later in the year with different insurance companies. Do i need to tell all the insurance companies that I have had a claim on one home insurance policy covering a completely different property?

Answer
Yes

Why?
Insurance claims history is specific to the insured (person), not a property or vehicle.

Lets look at some of the questions asked on home insurance proposal forms:

Hibernian home insurance proposal form asks:
In connection with this or any other property insurance, have you or any family permanently residing with you: Made any claim in the past 3 years?

Zurich (Eagle Star) home insurance proposal form asks:
In connection with all the insurance cover you now require, have you or any member of your household: suffered any losses or been involved in any accident, whether insured or not, in the last 5 years.

Sample Lloyds home insurance proposal form asks:
Have you or any other person, whose property is to be insured sustained any loss or damage during the last 6 years which would have been covered by this type of insurance had it been in force, whether or not a claim was paid?
In the same way, it is important to declare previous accidents or claims which have been made against you or under a car insurance policy held by you.

The following are examples of questions asked under car insurance proposal forms:

Hibernian Car Insurance
To the best of your knowledge and belief, have you or any person material to this risk: Been involved in any accident or loss or have had any claims made against you or them in the last 3 years?

Travelers Car Insurance
I declare that all accidents, claims and losses for each driver occurring in the past 5 years have been declared. (on the proposal form)

RSA / Sertus & AXA Car Insurance
Other than as specified (on this proposal form), neither I, my spouse or any driver who will drive to the best of my knowledge or belief: have been involved in ANY accidents or claims in the last 5 years.

Wrightway Car Insurance
Have there been any accidents, claims or losses (including fire or theft) whether to blame or not during the past 3 years in connection with every motor vehicle (including motor cycles) owned or driven by you or any person who to your knowledge will drive?
It is clear from these examples that every claim, accident or loss must be declared when arranging car insurance or home insurance. If in doubt, declare.

Remember:
An insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company.
It contains many detailed terms and conditions.
ALWAYS READ YOUR POLICY DOCUMENT & SCHEDULE.
You should be aware of all terms and conditions.
It is also a condition of the policy that all questions completed on the proposal form have been answered correctly.

If you are confused or unsure about anything in your policy then ask your broker.
easyquote.ie offer a friendly and professional service to all our clients. if you would like a competitive home insurance or car insurance quotation, log on to www.easyquote.ie.

 

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