Claims & Complaints

Claims & complaints, explained — from the first call to the Ombudsman

How to make an insurance claim, what to do when one is rejected, and how to complain if you are treated unfairly — across every type of UK general insurance.

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Explore claims & complaints by topic

Practical steps for policyholders, and what the rules and the regulator expect at each stage.

Before you claim

Get your documents, policy wording and evidence ready before you pick up the phone.

Making a claim

Who to contact, what to say, and the timelines insurers work to.

If your claim is rejected

Why claims are declined and how to challenge the decision with evidence.

The complaints process

How to raise a formal complaint with your insurer, step by step.

Financial Ombudsman

Taking an unresolved complaint to the FOS, and what to expect.

Redress & compensation

What fair outcomes and compensation look like when a firm gets it wrong.

Fraud & investigations

How claims are investigated and what counts as a fraudulent claim.

Complaints data & outcomes

What published complaints and outcomes data tell you about insurers.

Sample resources

Guides & analysis

What insurance complaints data tells you

Complaints data shows which products and firms draw the most disputes. Understand what the figures reveal and how often customers win.

How insurance claims are investigated

Insurers investigate claims with checks, specialists and data to spot fraud and settle fairly. Understand the process and your obligations.

How insurance settlements and payouts work

From accepted claim to money in hand, a settlement can be paid in cash, by repair or on an indemnity basis. Understand the steps and the choices involved.

How to complain about an insurer or broker

If an insurer will not help, you can complain and then go to the Financial Ombudsman for free. Learn the steps, the eight-week rule and what to prepare.

The Financial Ombudsman Service and insurance disputes

The Financial Ombudsman settles insurance disputes for free when you and your insurer cannot agree. See how it works and when to bring a complaint.