Making a claim.
If something has happened, we're here to help.
Making a claim can be stressful, but you don't have to work through it alone. Contact Hodgson Insurance Services and we'll help you understand what to do next, report the incident and guide you through the claims process.
Call us, email us or visit our Bude office. We'll support you from the first conversation and throughout your claim.
What to do if you need to make a claim
Every insurer has its own claims procedures, so the right steps will depend on your policy and what has happened. As a general guide, here's what to do.
Make sure everyone is safe
Put people first. Look after your guests, staff and anyone else affected. If there's an immediate danger, contact the emergency services.
If it's safe to do so, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as turning off the water supply after a leak. Don't put yourself or anyone else at risk.
Contact us as soon as possible
Call us on 01288 353999 or email hello@guesthouseinsurance.co.uk.
We'll talk through what has happened, explain the next steps and help you notify the appropriate insurer. If your policy requires you to contact the insurer or its claims team directly, we'll guide you through that too.
Outside our office hours?
Check your policy documents for your insurer's claims contact details. Most insurers offer a 24-hour claims helpline, particularly for emergencies, or direct reporting facilities.
If there is serious damage or an urgent risk to people or property, don't wait for our office to reopen before taking necessary emergency action or contacting the insurer.
Tell us about incidents and claims made against you
Contact us promptly even if you're unsure whether you want to make a claim, or you don't believe you were at fault. Early notification can be important under your policy conditions.
If someone alleges that you are responsible for an injury or damage, or you receive a solicitor's letter or other formal claim, send it to us or your insurer straight away. Don't admit liability, agree to pay compensation or respond substantively to the allegation before speaking to your insurer or us, unless you have been advised to do so.
Keep evidence and records
Where it's safe and appropriate, take photographs or videos of the damage and the surrounding area. Keep relevant receipts, invoices, repair estimates and any correspondence relating to the incident.
Make a note of what happened, when it happened and who was involved. If there were witnesses, record their contact details where appropriate.
Keep damaged items until your insurer confirms they can be disposed of, unless they present a safety or hygiene risk. If urgent repairs are needed, take photographs first if possible and keep the receipts.
We're here to help
Every claim is different, but you don't have to navigate the process on your own. If something has happened and you're not sure what to do, get in touch with Hodgson Insurance Services and we'll help you work out the next steps.
Three ways to reach us
Call us
01288 353999Office hours todayEmail us
hello@guesthouseinsurance.co.ukTell us your name, your policy and what has happened. We'll come back to you.
Pop in to see us
Chapter House, Burn View
Bude, Cornwall EX23 8BZMon to Fri 9am to 5pm. Sat 9am to 12pm. Sun and bank holidays closed.
Questions about claims
What happens if I'm underinsured?
If your sums insured are too low, a claim may not be paid in full, so underinsurance usually shows up at the worst possible time.
Your buildings figure can be too low. So can your contents, or the time your loss-of-income cover lasts. Check your rebuild cost, list what your contents would cost to replace, and if you've had building work done or bought new furniture, tell us so the figures can be updated.
Underinsurance explained, with an example
Last reviewed October 2026
How do I make a claim?
If you're our customer, contact us first: call 01288 353999, email us or pop in to our Bude office. We'll talk it through and help you report it.
Each insurer has its own way of handling claims, so we tell you what they need and stay with you until it's settled. If it's an emergency outside our office hours, your policy wording has the insurer's claims contact details. Tell us about any incident that could lead to a claim, even if you don't think you were at fault.
Last reviewed October 2026
Do I need to tell insurers about previous claims?
Yes. Tell your insurer about any claims in the last 5 years, however small, and whether they were paid or not.
If a claim is left out, the insurer may refuse a later claim or cancel the policy. Be open with them, and with us, and it is far easier to sort things out if something goes wrong.
Last reviewed October 2026
Will I have to pay something towards a claim?
Usually, yes. Every policy has an excess, which is the part of each claim you pay yourself.
For example, with a £250 excess, a fire that causes £4,000 of damage would be settled at £3,750. Some risks carry a higher excess, such as subsidence, escape of water, flood zones or high-theft areas. A higher voluntary excess may lower the price a little. Check your policy so you know what you'd pay.
Last reviewed October 2026
Should I tell you about an incident even if I don't want to claim?
Yes. Tell us straight away about any incident that could lead to a claim, whether or not you think you were at fault.
If you get a letter or a claim from someone else, pass it to us without replying to it. Telling us early lets your insurer protect your interests.
Last reviewed October 2026