Home & contents claims

Fire at home: what to do and what to gather

Safety first, then a careful record of what was lost.

Get everyone out, stay out, and call 000.

Do this first

1. Get everyone out and call 000 Don't go back in for belongings.
2. Get the fire brigade's report number
3. Photograph the damage once it's safe, and before anything is cleared
4. Tell your insurer straight away They can often arrange emergency accommodation.

Who to tell

• The fire brigade and police: Keep the report number.
• Your insurer: Start your claim straight away.
• Your bank and ID providers: If cards or documents were lost.

What to gather

• Fire brigade or police report number. An independent record of the fire.
• Photos of the damage. Shows the extent of the fire, smoke and water damage.
• A list of lost or damaged belongings with values. The core of a contents claim.
• What you know about how it started. Describe only what you saw.
• Receipts or photos of valuable items. Proof of ownership.
• Photos of the home from before. Shows what was there.
• Accommodation and emergency purchase receipts. Often covered, up to limits.
• Repair or rebuild quotes. Helps assess the cost.

Things that catch people out

• Don't clear or dispose of anything until your insurer has seen it.
• Smoke and water damage from putting out the fire is usually part of the claim. Photograph it too.

General guidance only. It isn't your insurer's requirements or financial advice. Always check your policy documents and your insurer's instructions.