Tesco: Brits reluctant to claim from home insurance

Almost half of all homeowners who suffer damage to property as a result of their neighbours would rather pay for repairs out of their own pocket than claiming on their home insurance, research shows.

Tesco Home Insurance found that more than three out of four people pay out of their own pocket when it comes to damage caused to their property by neighbours.

The survey shows that this reluctance to ask neighbours to pay for damage is due to the fact that many people do not want to be seen to be causing a fuss or to upset anyone.

The home insurance provider's research shows that 31 per cent of people simply wish to sort out damage to their property themselves, 11 per cent do not want to risk losing a good relationship with neighbours and eight per cent wish to avoid confrontation.

Figures show that this approach to property repairs is costing the nation. Almost a quarter of those affected will run up bills in excess of £500 of which they pay out of their own finances.

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Home Insurance, comments: It would seem that the great British aversion to complaining is alive and well, despite the fact it might cost them financially.

However, it's heart-warming to know that some avoid the confrontation route because they think so much of the people living next door.

Insurance products from Tesco include car insurance, home insurance, car breakdown assistance, pet insurance, life insurance and travel insurance.