Home incidents: help! What do I do?

You’re not the first to experience something like this… and you won't be the last. We tend to think of our home as a safe haven, but the reality is we’re still vulnerable to unexpected events—accidents, vandalism, short circuits, theft, and more.

In the first quarter of this year alone, there were 40 home incidents for every 100 insurance policies in Spain, according to data from the Cooperative Research Insurance Association (ICEA). That’s at least one incident in 4 out of every 10 homes.

The ICEA also shows that while homes face all kinds of issues, the most common are water damage (37%) and broken windows (14.4%). Other frequent claims include emergency services (13.6%), electrical damage (9.3%), and weather-related incidents (5.3%). While some risks can be avoided, many can’t. That’s why being prepared and, most importantly, protected by good insurance is important.  

If it’s your first time filing a home insurance claim, it’s normal to feel uncertain. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through it:

• Stay calm. Keep your cool and, if possible, minimize the risk. If there's a water leak, turn off the supply. If an outlet is sparking, cut the power. In case of serious danger—like a fire—your priority should be to leave the house and ensure everyone’s safety (and, of course, call emergency services).
• Report the incident to your insurance company. Save your insurance company’s contact information on your phone for easy access in situations like this. You don’t need your policy on hand—just your National Identity Document number will suffice for identification. Notify them as soon as possible to speed up the resolution process.
• Document the damage, if possible. Take photos of all damage and make a list of any lost or damaged items. This helps your insurer assess the situation. If you’ve had to cover any unavoidable expenses due to the incident, keep the receipts because some costs may be reimbursed.
• Very important: Don’t make repairs on your own.. Unless authorized by your insurance company, avoid doing any repairs yourself to prevent complicating the claim. Be patient—your insurer will guide you through the process, so follow their instructions carefully.
• Co-operate with your insurer and know your policy. Provide the assigned appraiser with all the relevant information, and give them any documentation they request. Before making a claim, review your policy to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. This is when you’ll be glad you didn’t cut corners on your home insurance.

According to Unespa, Spain’s insurance industry association, nearly three out of four homes in Spain are insured—74% of all households, or 21.4 million homes. For many families, their home is their most valuable asset.

Homeowners multirisk insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring that whether you face a break-in, a fire, or a leaky tap that damages your neighbor’s property, your insurance will be there to cover both major and minor incidents.

These events are pivotal moments for both the customer and the insurance company. The Social Report on Insurance reveals that in 2022, insurers in Spain handled 8.1 million home claims, paying out a total of 2.945 billion euros.

Some policies even go beyond just covering damages, offering services like DIY assistance, appliance repairs, digital security, and legal protection.

For example, MAPFRE’s home insurance helps you identify the coverage that best suits your home and lifestyle, so you only pay for what you truly need. It also offers emergency assistance and specific coverage for valuable items, ensuring peace of mind at all times.

RELATED ARTICLES: