When a kitchen worktop or bathroom surface is damaged, homeowners often face a choice: make an insurance claim or arrange repair directly. This decision depends on the nature of the damage, the cost of repair, your policy excess and the potential impact on your premium. Understanding both paths helps you make the right choice for your circumstances.
When Insurance Claims May Apply
Buildings and contents insurance policies vary significantly in what they cover for kitchen and bathroom surface damage. Accidental damage cover (if included or added) may cover:
- Chips caused by dropped items
- Cracked surfaces from accidental impact
- Bath or sink damage from accidental breakage
Wear and tear, poor maintenance or gradual deterioration are typically excluded. If your policy has a £250–£500 excess and a professional repair costs less than that excess, a claim doesn’t make economic sense and may affect your premium at renewal.
When Direct Repair Makes More Sense
For the majority of surface repairs — a single chip in a granite worktop, a scratched bath, a tile crack — the cost of professional repair is lower than most policy excesses. In these cases, claiming on insurance is counterproductive: you’d pay the excess yourself, risk a premium increase and go through the process of a loss adjuster and approved repairer, rather than simply booking a specialist directly.
Insurance-Approved Repairs
Where an insurance claim is legitimate and approved, the insurer typically specifies a repairer from their network. If you prefer to choose your own specialist, discuss this with your insurer — some policies allow you to nominate a repairer, and we can provide invoices and reports in the format insurers require.
Getting a Quote First
Before making any insurance decision, get a repair quote. Knowing the actual cost of repair clarifies whether a claim is worth pursuing. Request a free repair quote first →
