Repeat losses

How it works

Repeat losses are claims that recur on the same insured, address or item. Some reflect a real and uncorrected risk, such as a poorly secured property. Others are a pattern of claiming, where the policyholder files theft, water damage, accidental damage or storm claims at regular intervals as a source of income.

Repeat claimants often move between insurers once their claims history starts to affect cover, and may change the name on the policy, use a family member or leave prior claims off the proposal. The same items can be claimed more than once, and the same contractor or assessor may handle successive claims. Claim values may be kept below the level that triggers an on-site inspection.

Each claim is small and plausible and is settled on its own merits. The pattern shows when the claimant is resolved across policies, related people and addresses, and the frequency of losses is compared with peers carrying the same risk.

Investigation and response

1. 01Review the full claims history of the insured, related parties and the address before settling
2. 02Request proof of ownership and replacement receipts, and check them against earlier claims
3. 03Inspect the property and confirm that risk improvements required after earlier claims were made
4. 04Refer patterned claiming to SIU and update the underwriting record for the policy

Related typologies

• Inflated contents claimsContents claims padded with items never owned, values above what was paid, or receipts that were altered or fabricated.
• Arson patternsFires set or arranged by the insured to claim on buildings, stock or vehicles, often preceded by financial strain and clustered by area or party.
• Multi-claim VINsOne vehicle identification number on several claims across policies, claimants or insurers, often for the same damage claimed more than once.