What are the most common home insurance claims?

Introduction

At Wesleyan Financial Services, we know how important your home is to you. And while we can’t predict the future, we do see a pattern in what people often claim for on their home insurance. In this article, you’ll learn what these are and how to make sure your home is covered.

1. Water damage

A leaky pipe or internal plumbing issues can wreak havoc on your home if gone unnoticed, with costs quickly escalating for structural drying and electrical repairs. Claims range from £1,000 for minor leaks and ceiling stains, up to £50,000+ for full property restoration. This is where taking preventative measures and spotting leaks early can make a real difference.

2. Storm and weather damage

Weather related claims have skyrocketed over the last few years, with storms, flooding and burst pipes noted as the main offenders. Though you can’t control the weather you can review your insurance policy to understand what events you’re covered for. Keeping your property in good shape can help limit any damage too, from checking roof tiles to clearing gutters.

3. Accidental damage

Home DIY projects gone wrong and accidental spills and breakages are a common reason for smaller home insurance claims. It’s worth noting that accidental damage is often optional on policies, so if you’re accident-prone you may want to add it to your cover.

4. Theft and burglary

High on insurers’ claim lists are theft and burglary cases. Securing your home and keeping any high-value items out of sight is our main advice. If you ever do need to make a claim, you’ll likely need to provide police reports and documentation for any stolen items.

5. Subsidence

Subsidence, when the ground shifts and causes structural damage, is more common than you think. Nearly 9,000 UK households made subsidence claims in the first half of 2025, costing insurers an average of £17,264 per claim. If you live in a high-risk area, subsidence insurance is the main way you can stay covered.

Why does a claim get rejected?

Insurers won’t pay out for wear and tear or any damage caused by poor maintenance, which is where regular home maintenance and repairs can help you stay in pocket.

You should make sure your policy is up to date, and you fully understand the terms. If you’re insured for an incorrect amount, your claim may have a reduced pay-out or be partially rejected. The same goes for any claims you make that fall below the excess (the amount of money you pay towards the cost of your claim before your insurer pays the rest).

How can I make sure I’m properly protected?

You should review your policy every year to make sure it’s up to scratch. Some features like accidental damage and home emergency assistance are usually optional extras, so you’ll need to make sure they’re ticked if you want them as part of your cover.

We always recommend speaking to an insurance expert to fully understand the ins and outs of your policy. They can advise you on the right cover level for your needs and assess the rebuild value of your home and true value of your contents.

While we hope you’ll never need to make a claim, the right home insurance policy can make sure you’re not having to pay out of your own pocket if you do.

Wesleyan Financial Services Limited is a broker and insurance products are provided by a number of selected insurers.