- One in twenty people who have lost or damaged things were too embarrassed to claim on their insurance
- Two in five Brits do not claim insurance on items they break or lose
- 37 per cent couldn't be bothered to claim while 14 per cent didn't know they could claim
- Phones (19 per cent), kitchenware (11 per cent) and laptops (10 per cent) are the most common items broken or lost but unclaimed
More than one million people feel too much shame to claim, according to new research1 from Direct Line Home Insurance. One in twenty people, who have broken or lost items, do not claim on their insurance because they are either embarrassed to admit they owned the item or explain how the incident occurred.
The study highlights nearly half (43 per cent) of Brits do not claim insurance on items they break or lose, with 37 per cent of these stating it is because they didn't think it was worth the hassle. A further 14 per cent did not realise they could.
Mobile phones (19 per cent), kitchenware (11 per cent) and laptops (10 per cent) are the most common items broken or lost but unclaimed. Most 'non-claimers' lost or damaged their item due to their own clumsiness (40 per cent) while 12 per cent simply forgot where they had placed it. A further 11 per cent admitted that they had caused damage by falling with the item.
Table one: Top 10 table of items most commonly damaged but not claimed for
| Rank | Item and % of respondents |
|---|---|
| 1. | Phone (19 per cent) |
| 2. | Kitchenware (11 per cent) |
| 3. | Laptop (10 per cent) |
| 4. | Jewellery (9 per cent) |
| 5. | Other (8 per cent) |
| 6. | TV (7 per cent) |
| 7. | Clothing (7 per cent) |
| 8. | Tablet (6 per cent) |
| 9. | Furniture (6 per cent) |
| 10. | Sports equipment (5 per cent) |
Source: Direct Line Home Insurance, 2016
Rebecca Clapham, head of household product at Direct Line: "It's interesting to see that some Brits are too embarrassed to claim for items and would rather replace them out of their own pocket than admit to what the item was or the situation that led to it being lost or damaged. Human error is often an unavoidable consequence of our busy lives so it's perhaps not surprising that so many of us have accidentally broken something or forgotten where we put it. With the right insurance you don't need to worry if you spill a drink over your laptop or break your item in an embarrassing scenario!
"It is slightly concerning that many Brits choose not to claim on their insurance because they didn't know they could or because they couldn't be bothered. We urge homeowners to ensure they have the right insurance for their possessions and to read their policy documents carefully."
People spend over £130 replacing the item themselves, with men spending more (£141) than women (£128). Those living in the East Midlands front the most, spending £176 on replacing items. In comparison, those living in Scotland spend the least (£112).
Notes to editor
1Opinium Research interviewed a UK nationally representative sample of 2,002 people, between 5th and 7th July 2016. Figures have been scaled up to a nationally representative sample and regional breakdowns should be seen as indicative only. The one in twenty figure is based on those who lost or damaged an item but did not claim on their insurance.
Information regarding Direct Line customers
Claims made under a policy may result in an increased premium at the next renewal date. This depends on the number, type and value of claims you make. Our premiums are calculated individually and you'll be notified in advance of the renewal date. Customers should also note that the amount of excess they pay following a claim depends on the level chosen by the customer. This figure is made clear when you apply for a quote and receive your personal policy documents.
For further information please contact:
Claire Foster
Direct Line
Tel:
0165 183 1672
Email: claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk
Antonia Green
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel:
0207 282 2967
Email: Antonia.Green@citigatedr.co.uk
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 878 5587 or visiting www.directline.com