Reporting crimes

More than five million people have not reported a crime in case it drives away potential buyers or tenants for their property, according to recent research. But this could have a severe impact on the success of a home insurance claim.

According to Direct Line, the worry of the potential effect on house sales is increasing because reported crimes now appear on an online police map. Around half of those not reporting crimes had seen vehicles stolen or vandalised near their homes, and 75 per cent have ignored anti-social behaviour such as drug dealing or vandalism. Of even more concern, serious aggravated crime is going unreported, including violent assault, mugging and robbery.

A spokesperson for the company warned that “householders who do not report a crime [which involves their property] may struggle to secure payment from their insurer for any losses incurred, as they will not have a crime number as reference that an incident occurred.”

If you are having problems with an insurance claim, then Morgan Clark may be able to help. To find out more, read about our home insurance claims services.