Claims
Claims answers, checked against real typical policy wording
Real incidents, checked against typical typical policy wording before you file.
Got a denial letter?
Why Was My Insurance Claim Rejected? (Top 9 Reasons)
Most rejected claims come down to 6 policy clauses. See the patterns, check yours, and decide whether to appeal — PolicyPal reads your wording in 60 seconds.
Read answerClaim turned down by your UK insurer?
Why Was My Home Insurance Claim Rejected? (UK)
UK insurers reject claims for non-disclosure, late notification, wear and tear and unoccupied property. Check your policy in 60 seconds.
Read answerHit by someone else?
Not-at-Fault Car Accident: Will Your Insurance Pay?
Whose insurer pays, when your own kicks in, and how to avoid premium impact on a not-at-fault claim. Check your policy in 60 seconds with PolicyPal.
Read answerBefore you call the insurer…
Burst Pipe Water Damage Claim: Will Insurance Pay?
Burst pipes are usually covered — but only if your policy's 'unoccupied' and 'frozen pipe' clauses don't catch you out. Check yours in 60 seconds.
Read answerCeiling dripping from above?
Leak From the Flat Above — UK Insurance Claim Guide
Leak from the flat above? You claim on your own contents and the freeholder's buildings policy — not the upstairs neighbour's. See how to recover your excess.
Read answerClaim denied — what now?
Why Was My Home Insurance Claim Denied? (US)
Wear and tear, flood exclusions, late reporting, and material misrepresentation are the top denial reasons in the US. See how to appeal.
Read answerBurst pipe or leaking appliance?
Escape of Water Claim on UK Home Insurance
Escape of water is the most common UK home claim — average £6,500. See what's covered, what's not, and check your wording in 60 seconds.
Read answerVan broken into?
Tools Stolen From a Van — UK Insurance Claim Guide
Tool theft from vans is rejected more than any other UK trade claim. See the overnight clause, forced entry rule and how to recover.
Read answerSettlement offer feels low?
How to Negotiate a Home Insurance Claim Settlement (US)
Adjusters open low. Getting a fair settlement means matching your estimate, invoking appraisal, or hiring a public adjuster. Depends on your policy wording.
Read answerInsurer voided your policy?
Non-Disclosure Claim Rejection — UK Rights
Under CIDRA 2012, UK insurers can only void for deliberate or reckless misrepresentation. Know your rights before you accept the rejection.
Read answerEOB says 'not covered'?
Why Was My Health Insurance Claim Denied? (US)
Top US health denial reasons: no prior auth, out-of-network, not medically necessary, coding errors. Most are reversible on appeal.
Read answerProperty flooded?
Flood Claim on UK Home Insurance
Flood is covered on most UK home policies via Flood Re — but excesses can hit £10,000+. See how to claim correctly.
Read answerLetter says 'wear and tear'?
Denied for 'Wear and Tear'? Read This First
Wear-and-tear denials are often appealable. See how to challenge them with the right evidence — PolicyPal drafts the language.
Read answerHit by another driver?
Non-Fault Car Accident — UK Claims Process
Claim through the at-fault driver's insurer or a credit hire company to protect your NCD. See the pitfalls.
Read answerTenant can't live there — rent stopped?
Landlord Insurance Loss of Rent Claim (US)
Fair Rental Value pays when a covered loss makes the property uninhabitable. Vacancy, tenant default, and eviction are NOT covered.
Read answerClaim check smaller than the estimate?
Recoverable Depreciation on a Home Insurance Claim (US)
RCV policies pay ACV upfront, hold depreciation back until repairs are done. Miss the deadline (usually 12–24 months) and you forfeit the difference.
Read answerJust had a claim?
What Happens to NCD After a UK Claim?
A fault claim usually wipes 2–5 years of NCD unless protected. See how protected NCD actually works.
Read answerRoof settlement looks low?
ACV vs RCV on a Roof Claim (US)
ACV pays depreciated value only — a 15-year-old roof may settle at 25% of replacement cost. Check your policy.
Read answerPA denied?
How to Appeal a Prior Authorization Denial (US)
Peer-to-peer appeal within 72 hours flips 40%+ of denials. Then internal appeal, then external review — all free.
Read answerOffer far below the repair estimate?
Adjuster Lowballed Your Home Insurance Offer? (US)
First offers routinely land 30–50% below repair cost. Counter with itemized estimates, invoke appraisal, or escalate to a public adjuster. Check your rights.
Read answerWoke up to a loud, roaring car?
Does Car Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?
Comprehensive coverage pays for catalytic converter theft; liability-only does not. Typical claim runs $1,000–$3,500 — here's when it beats the deductible.
Read answerAfter a fire?
Fire and Smoke Damage Claims: What to Expect
Fire claims are usually paid, but ALE limits, smoke remediation, and content valuation cause disputes. Check yours in 60 seconds.
Read answerWorried what claiming will cost?
How a Claim Affects UK Insurance Premium
Even non-fault claims raise UK premium by 10–40%. See the data and how long it stays on your record.
Read answerDeath benefit denied?
Life Insurance Claim Denied — Now What? (US)
Top denial reasons: contestability misrepresentation, suicide clause, lapse in coverage. Most contestability denials are appealable.
Read answerClaim denied — now what?
How to File an Insurance Claim Appeal (US)
Appeal in writing within the deadline. Cite the policy section, attach evidence, escalate to DOI if denied twice. Success rate 30–60%.
Read answerDenied for 'cosmetic damage'?
Hail Roof Claim Denied? Here's Why (2026)
Most hail roof denials cite wear and tear, cosmetic damage, or a missed reporting deadline. Here's how to challenge each one.
Read answerWind is covered. Water depends.
Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage? (2026)
Wind and hail are covered; the water that follows may not be. Here's how storm claims are split and what a wind deductible costs you.
Read answerBag never arrived?
Lost Luggage Claim: What Travel Insurance Pays
Airline pays first, travel insurance fills the gap. See per-item and total limits in 60 seconds with PolicyPal.
Read answerCandle caused a fire?
Fire Started by a Candle — UK Claim
Accidental candle fires are covered under fire peril. See the gross negligence test that catches some claims out.
Read answerRepaired but worth less?
Diminished Value Claim (US Auto): When You Can Recover
Your car is worth less after a repaired accident. Diminished value claims recover that gap — usually from the at-fault driver's insurer.
Read answerLTD claim denied?
Disability Insurance Claim Denied (US)
Top denials: definition of disability, surveillance, medical evidence. ERISA-governed group claims need administrative appeals — do it right the first time.
Read answerTotal loss offer feels low?
How to Appeal an Auto Total Loss Valuation (US)
Insurer offers below market. Comparable listings, dealer quotes, and appraisal clause can raise the settlement 15–30%.
Read answerBI claim denied?
Business Interruption Claim Denied (US)
Top denials: no direct physical loss, waiting period not met, unmet coinsurance. Documented lost income and expense records are critical.
Read answerAdjuster wants a recorded statement?
Should You Give the Adjuster a Recorded Statement? (US)
Required to your own insurer. Never mandatory to the other side's insurer. Refuse politely — anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
Read answerThe first total-loss offer is negotiable.
How to Dispute a Car Total Loss Valuation (2026)
Insurers use valuation software that often undervalues your car. Here's how to build a comparables case and get the offer raised.
Read answerFlood denied?
Flood Claim Rejected? Here's Why
Flood is excluded from home insurance — it needs a separate policy. See what may still be claimable from home cover.
Read answerReported a claim late?
Late Notification — Can a UK Insurer Refuse?
Under the Insurance Act 2015, late notification alone isn't enough to refuse. Prejudice must be proven.
Read answerCaused a leak downstairs?
Water Leaked Into the Flat Below — UK Liability
Liability to the flat below depends on negligence. See how subrogation and the buildings policy interact.
Read answerReported the claim late?
Claim Denied for Late Reporting (US)
US courts require insurers to prove prejudice from late notice before denying — appeal is often successful.
Read answerHit by another driver?
Not-At-Fault Car Accident (US) — Who Pays?
In fault states, the other driver's insurer pays. In no-fault states (12), you claim against your own PIP first.
Read answerCheck is less than the estimate?
Depreciation Holdback on Insurance Claims — Explained (US)
Insurers withhold depreciation on RCV policies until repairs are complete. Miss the deadline (12–24 mo) and you forfeit thousands.
Read answerThe first 72 hours shape the settlement.
House Fire Insurance Claim: Step by Step (2026)
What to do in the first 72 hours after a house fire, what ALE pays for, and the mistakes that reduce the settlement.
Read answerDenied for unlocked door?
Theft Claim Denied: 'No Forced Entry'?
Most home and renters policies require forced entry for theft cover. See what to do if your claim was denied for this reason.
Read answerDry rot discovered?
Dry Rot Claim on UK Home Insurance
Dry rot is treated as gradual damage and almost always excluded — even when triggered by a covered leak.
Read answerFighting a lowball offer?
Should I Hire a Public Adjuster? (US)
Public adjusters represent you, not the insurer. They typically double payouts on complex claims but take 10–20%.
Read answerJust had an accident?
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim (US)
Document scene, report within 24 hours, get police report, obtain three estimates, know your deductible. Don't admit fault.
Read answerInsurer sent a Proof of Loss form?
What Is a Proof of Loss Form? (US)
Sworn statement of your claim value. Miss the 60-day deadline and the insurer can deny the claim entirely.
Read answerInsurer stalling or denying without cause?
Bad Faith Insurance Claim — When to Sue (US)
Unreasonable delay, denial without investigation, or lowballing can be bad faith. Extra-contract damages available. State-specific.
Read answerOne in seven drivers has no insurance.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver: What Now? (2026)
Roughly one in seven US drivers is uninsured. Here's how uninsured motorist cover works and why UMPD matters as much as UMBI.
Read answerVet bill denied?
Pet Insurance Claim Denied? Common Reasons
Pre-existing exclusions, waiting periods, and bilateral clauses cause most pet denials. PolicyPal checks the wording.
Read answerSum insured too low?
Underinsurance and the Average Clause (UK)
Underinsured by 30%? Your UK insurer pays 30% less. See how the average clause works and how to fix it.
Read answerE-bike stolen?
Electric Bike Theft Claim (UK)
E-bikes often exceed the single-item limit and need specifying. See the lock and storage rules.
Read answerInsurer citing your application?
Claim Denied for Misrepresentation (US)
Undisclosed dogs, prior claims, or business use can void the policy from inception. See the materiality test.
Read answerHit by an uninsured driver?
Uninsured Motorist Claim (US)
13% of US drivers are uninsured. UM/UIM coverage on your policy pays when they can't.
Read answerInsurer scheduling an EUO?
Examination Under Oath in an Insurance Claim (US)
Refusing an EUO can void your claim. Prepare with counsel — testimony can be used to deny for misrepresentation.
Read answerCould you list every item you own?
Building a Home Inventory That Survives a Claim (2026)
After a fire or burglary the insurer asks you to list everything you owned. Here's how to document it before you need to.
Read answerCar vandalized?
Car Vandalism Claim: What's Covered?
Vandalism is comprehensive cover, not collision — and may not affect your premium. Check your policy in 60 seconds.
Read answerEx damaged your home?
Malicious Damage by an Ex-Partner — UK Claim
Domestic incidents fall under malicious damage, but the 'family or household member' exclusion blocks most claims.
Read answerHome was empty when it happened?
Vacant Home Claim Denied (US)
Homes vacant 30–60 days trigger the vacancy exclusion — theft, vandalism and water damage no longer paid.
Read answerSmoke damage from a distant fire?
Wildfire Smoke Damage Claim (US)
Smoke damage from a nearby wildfire is covered even without fire on your property. Document with air quality data.
Read answerInsurer wants to total the car?
Total Loss vs Repair: Which Auto Claim Path? (US)
State total-loss thresholds range 60–80% of ACV. Below that, insurer repairs. You can dispute valuation and choose owner retention.
Read answerStuck on a valuation dispute?
How the Insurance Appraisal Clause Works (US)
Appraisal is a binding process for disputes over amount of loss — faster and cheaper than litigation.
Read answerTold the damage was already there?
Auto Claim Denied for Pre-Existing Damage (US)
Insurers often blame prior damage to reduce or deny claims. Photos, service records, and an independent appraisal beat back the denial.
Read answerSettlement offer feels wrong?
Can I Sue My Auto Insurance Company? (US)
Yes for bad faith, unreasonable denial, or lowball settlement. Every state recognizes a bad-faith cause of action.
Read answerWaiting for a check?
How Long Does an Insurer Have to Pay a Claim? (US)
State prompt-pay laws typically require decision in 15–30 days and payment within 30 days of settlement. Interest often owed on delays.
Read answerThe damage is covered. The heater isn't.
Water Heater Leak: Will Insurance Pay? (2026)
A failed water heater floods the floor. Insurance pays for the damage but rarely the unit. Here's how the claim is split.
Read answerWorried claims will follow you?
What is a CLUE Report and How Does it Affect You? (US)
CLUE holds 7 years of your US insurance claims. Even inquiries can affect quotes.
Read answerStuff stolen but no break-in signs?
Theft Claim with No Forced Entry (US)
US policies don't require forced entry — but insurers scrutinize inside-job claims. Police report is essential.
Read answerTheir tree, your claim — usually.
Neighbour's Tree Fell on My House: Who Pays? (2026)
Your own policy usually pays, even when the tree was theirs. Here's when negligence shifts the cost and how removal is capped.
Read answerDrone caused damage?
Drone Damage or Injury — UK Insurance
Home contents personal liability covers third-party drone damage — for hobby use only. Commercial flying needs separate cover.
Read answerCheck has the bank's name on it?
Home Insurance Check Made Out to My Mortgage Company (US)
For claims over $5k–$40k, insurers issue a joint check with your lender. Lenders release funds in draws as repairs complete.
Read answerWaiting on your claim?
How Long Does a Home Insurance Claim Take? (US)
State prompt-payment laws set the clock: 15–30 days to acknowledge, 30–60 to accept or deny, 30–60 to pay after agreement.
Read answerDenied over a drone or aerial photo?
Insurer Used Drone Photos to Deny My Claim (US)
Aerial imagery can flag roof age, algae, or prior damage. You can dispute with your own inspection. Depends on policy wording.
Read answerKeys stolen?
Stolen Keys — Lock Replacement Cover (UK)
Most UK contents policies pay £500–£1,000 to replace locks if your keys are stolen. See the proof requirements.
Read answer60 cents per pound is the legal default.
Does Insurance Cover Damage During a Move? (2026)
Movers' 'released value' pays 60 cents per pound. Here's what your home policy covers in transit and what to buy instead.
Read answerYour policy is the only source of truth
Get a precise answer for your exact policy
Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.