How most home insurance claims actually start

Escape of water from pipes and appliances

This one tops the list year after year. Not dramatic, just destructive.

Burst pipes, failed washing machine hoses, leaking dishwashers and slow drips behind units cause a huge volume of claims. The damage often spreads before it’s spotted.

Insurers usually focus on the resulting damage rather than the faulty pipe itself, which matters when claims are assessed.

Storm damage to roofs and buildings

Wind and rain do the obvious things. Lift tiles, tear flashing, bring down fences.

Claims often hinge on whether damage was sudden or linked to wear and tear. A roof already past its best can complicate matters.

Accidental damage inside the home

Dropped items, knocked-over televisions, cracked sinks and damaged worktops feature more often than people expect.

Where accidental damage is included, claims are usually straightforward. Without it, these losses sit firmly with the homeowner.

Fire and smoke damage

Kitchen fires remain the most common cause.

Small incidents can lead to large claims once smoke damage, cleaning and redecoration are added. Insurers look closely at cause rather than intent.

Theft and attempted theft

Forced entry still matters.

Claims often turn on security standards, locks, alarms and whether access points were secured. Attempted theft can generate sizeable repair costs even where nothing is taken.

Weather-related water ingress

Rainwater entering through damaged roofs, blocked gutters or failed seals is common.

Insurers usually distinguish between sudden storm damage and gradual maintenance issues, which affects how claims are handled.

Subsidence and ground movement

These claims are less frequent but more expensive.

Cracking, sticking doors and movement around foundations lead to investigations, surveys and long claim timelines. Insurers treat cause, history and progression carefully.

Damage caused by falling trees or branches

Often storm-related, sometimes not.

Claims can involve roofs, walls, outbuildings and boundary structures. The condition of the tree and prior warnings can be relevant.

Contents damage from everyday mishaps

Spills, breakages and electrical damage feature heavily in contents claims.

Power surges damaging electronics and water damage to furnishings are particularly common.

Vandalism and malicious damage

Less frequent, but still present.

Graffiti, broken windows and deliberate damage are usually covered when linked to unlawful entry, but circumstances matter.

What insurers look for across most claims

Patterns repeat regardless of cause.

• Whether the damage was sudden or gradual
• Maintenance history of the property
• Security and safety measures in place
• Evidence showing how and when damage occurred

Why small issues create large claims

A failed pipe joint can soak floors, walls and ceilings before it’s noticed.

Insurers see more claims from everyday failures than from rare disasters, which is why policy wording focuses so heavily on cause and timing.

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