Home Insurance Blunder Leaves Mum Facing £11,000 Bill After Flood
A common home insurance mistake could leave homeowners facing bills of up to £6,000, experts have warned. This follows the case of Michelle Hynes, a mother-of-two who was hit with an £11,000 charge after her insurer refused to cover the full cost of a claim.
Michelle, 44, from Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, returned from a two-week family holiday to Disneyland Florida with her husband Adam and children Leah, 15, and Ethan, 17. Upon opening their door, they discovered a devastating scene: a frozen pipe had burst in the attic, causing the ceiling to collapse and flooding their entire bungalow.
"We'd had a night flight and were quite jet-lagged, so we were all excited to get into our own beds," said Michelle, who works as a program manager. "So when we opened the door we were just in shock and couldn't believe our eyes."
Insurer Refuses Full Payout Over Bedroom Dispute
After contacting her insurer, Aviva, Michelle was informed the company would only pay 83% of the claim's value. The issue stemmed from a disagreement over the number of bedrooms in the property.
Michelle explained she took out the policy through Confused.com, declaring it as a four-bedroom home with two additional rooms: a dressing room and a study. However, Aviva insisted it should be classified as a five-bedroom property.
"I've got a letter from my estate agent confirming this is not the case," Michelle stated, expressing her frustration over the discrepancy.
Widespread Underinsurance Puts Homeowners at Risk
This case highlights a broader issue affecting UK households. According to price comparison website Uswitch, approximately 76% of homes are currently underinsured. With the average home insurance claim reaching £6,200, as reported by the Association of British Insurers, many could face significant financial shortfalls.
Rob Lilley-Jones, a money expert at Which?, emphasized the importance of clarity with insurers. "If you're in any doubt about what your policy will cover, it's best to have a chat with your insurer to ensure you're both on the same page, as misunderstandings can be costly further down the line," he advised.
Personal Toll and Insurer Response
The financial strain has taken a personal toll on Michelle's family. "I've been trying to keep a smile on my face for the children but it's hard," she shared. "My daughter is in her GCSE year and my son has diabetes, which has got worse because of the stress."
An Aviva spokesperson responded, stating: "As the incorrect number of bedrooms was declared to us when the policy was taken out, we are unfortunately unable to pay the claim in full under the terms of the policy."
The spokesperson added that most insurers use bedroom numbers as a guide to property size, influencing premiums. "Failing to provide the correct information could leave customers underinsured and they may face a shortfall should they need to make a claim," they concluded.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for homeowners to review their insurance policies carefully, ensuring all details are accurate to avoid potential disputes and unexpected bills during emergencies.
