TA6 Insurance Claims: What to Declare
Which insurance claims you must disclose on the TA6 Property Information Form and how to answer Section 6 accurately to avoid delays and legal risk.
What you need to know
Section 6 of the TA6 Property Information Form requires sellers to declare all buildings insurance claims made on the property, including refused claims and claims made by previous owners if known. Accurate disclosure protects you from misrepresentation claims after completion and helps the buyer obtain buildings insurance without delays.
- You must declare all buildings insurance claims on the TA6, including flood, subsidence, fire, storm, and escape of water — regardless of how long ago they occurred.
- Refused, withdrawn, or partially settled claims must also be disclosed, as must any special terms imposed by your insurer.
- Failing to declare a claim can lead to a misrepresentation claim under the Misrepresentation Act 1967 if the buyer discovers the omission after completion.
- Gathering your full claims history before completing the TA6 helps you answer accurately and avoids delays from follow-up enquiries.
- Disclosing claims alongside evidence of proper repairs reassures buyers and keeps the transaction moving.
Pine handles the legal prep so you don't have to.
Check your sale readinessInsurance claims are one of the most commonly mishandled sections of the TA6 Property Information Form. Sellers frequently underestimate what needs to be declared, forget about older claims, or assume that a fully repaired property means there is nothing to disclose. These mistakes can cause serious problems, from delays during conveyancing to post-completion legal action.
This guide explains exactly what the TA6 asks about insurance, which claims you must declare, how to answer each question accurately, and how to present your claims history in a way that keeps your sale on track. Whether you have made a single storm damage claim or have a more complex history involving subsidence or flooding, the principles are the same: be thorough, be honest, and provide supporting evidence.
What does the TA6 ask about insurance?
The insurance questions sit within Section 6 of the TA6 (4th edition, 2020). This section covers your buildings insurance arrangements and asks several specific questions:
- Are you aware of any insurance claims having been made relating to the property? This is the main question and covers all claims, whether made by you or by a previous owner if you are aware of them.
- Has any insurance claim ever been refused? A refused claim can be just as significant as a successful one, particularly where subsidence or flooding is involved.
- Has any insurance policy been cancelled, voided, or had special terms imposed? This covers situations where your insurer has changed the conditions of your policy because of a claim or risk assessment \u2014 for example, imposing a higher flood excess or excluding subsidence cover.
- Is the property currently insured? Although this is a separate question, it relates to the claims history because a gap in insurance or difficulty obtaining cover often stems from past claims.
Each of these questions requires a "Yes", "No", or "Not known" answer, followed by details where applicable. The level of detail matters. Vague answers such as "there was a claim a few years ago" will trigger follow-up enquiries from the buyer's solicitor, adding time and uncertainty to the process. Specific, well-documented answers are far more likely to satisfy the buyer and keep the transaction moving.
Which insurance claims must you declare?
The short answer is: all of them. The TA6 does not distinguish between types of claim or set a time limit. Every buildings insurance claim ever made on the property should be disclosed if you are aware of it. This includes:
- Flood damage claims \u2014 whether from river flooding, surface water, groundwater, or sewer flooding. These claims are particularly important because they affect the buyer's ability to obtain flood cover. See our guide on selling a house with a flooding history for more detail.
- Subsidence, heave, and landslip claims \u2014 these are among the most material claims to disclose because they can affect the structural integrity of the property and the buyer's mortgage valuation.
- Storm and weather damage claims \u2014 roof damage, fallen trees, hail damage, or any other weather-related event that led to a claim.
- Fire damage claims \u2014 whether a minor kitchen fire or a major structural fire, all fire-related claims should be declared. Our guide on selling a house after fire or flood explains the specific considerations for fire-damaged properties.
- Escape of water claims \u2014 burst pipes, leaking tanks, and overflowing appliances that caused damage to the building fabric.
- Impact damage claims \u2014 damage from vehicle collisions, falling objects, or other external impacts.
- Theft and malicious damage claims \u2014 where the claim involved damage to the building itself (broken windows, forced doors, damaged walls) rather than just contents.
It is worth noting that you do not generally need to declare contents-only claims on the TA6, as the form focuses on buildings insurance. However, if a contents claim arose from a structural event (for example, furniture damaged by a ceiling collapse or flooding), the underlying structural cause should be disclosed.
Claims by previous owners
A question that frequently catches sellers off guard is whether they need to declare claims made by someone who owned the property before them. The answer depends on what you know.
If the previous owner disclosed an insurance claim on the TA6 they provided to you when you bought the property, you are considered aware of it and should disclose it in your own TA6. The same applies if the claim was mentioned in your property searches, survey, or solicitor's report. You cannot claim ignorance of information that was given to you during your own purchase.
If you genuinely have no knowledge of any claims made before your ownership, you can answer "Not known" for that period. But be careful: if evidence of past repairs is visible in the property (for example, underpinning in the basement or replastered walls consistent with flood damage), the buyer's surveyor is likely to spot it, and the buyer's solicitor will ask pointed questions about your awareness.
How to answer the TA6 insurance questions accurately
The key to answering Section 6 well is preparation. Before you sit down with the form, gather the following information for each claim:
- Date of the event \u2014 when the damage occurred.
- Nature of the event \u2014 what happened (flood, storm, subsidence, escape of water, fire, etc.).
- Parts of the property affected \u2014 which rooms, structures, or areas were damaged.
- Claim reference number \u2014 your insurer's reference for the claim.
- Outcome of the claim \u2014 whether it was settled, refused, or withdrawn, and the settlement amount if applicable.
- Repairs carried out \u2014 what work was done, who carried it out, and whether it was completed to a professional standard.
- Guarantees or warranties \u2014 any guarantees provided for the repair work, including duration and transferability.
- Ongoing monitoring \u2014 particularly for subsidence claims, whether monitoring is complete and whether any certificate of structural adequacy has been issued.
Having this information to hand allows you to provide the kind of detailed, specific answers that satisfy the buyer's solicitor first time round, rather than triggering multiple rounds of additional enquiries. For more on avoiding unnecessary delays, see our guide on common TA6 mistakes sellers make.
Example answers for common scenarios
Below are example answers showing how to respond to the TA6 insurance questions in typical situations. These are illustrative \u2014 your answers should always reflect your specific circumstances.
Scenario 1: Single storm damage claim, fully repaired
| Question | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Claims made? | Yes. In January 2022, storm damage caused three ridge tiles to dislodge and water ingress into the loft space. A claim was made under our buildings insurance policy (ref: ABC-12345). The claim was settled for \u00a32,800. A roofing contractor replaced the ridge tiles and repaired the loft insulation in February 2022. No further issues have occurred. |
| Claims refused? | No. |
| Special terms? | No. Our policy continues on standard terms. |
Scenario 2: Subsidence claim with monitoring completed
| Question | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Claims made? | Yes. In 2018, cracking was noted in the rear extension wall. Our insurer investigated and confirmed minor subsidence related to clay shrinkage. Monitoring was carried out over 12 months (March 2018 to March 2019) using crack gauges and level surveys. No further movement was detected. The insurer issued a certificate confirming that the monitoring period was complete and no further action was required. Cosmetic crack repairs were carried out by a structural repair specialist in May 2019. Settlement amount: \u00a34,200 (ref: DEF-67890). |
| Claims refused? | No. |
| Special terms? | Yes. Our current buildings insurance has a subsidence excess of \u00a31,000 (the standard market excess). No other special terms have been imposed. |
Scenario 3: Flood claim, remedial work carried out
| Question | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Claims made? | Yes. In December 2015, river flooding affected the ground floor of the property. Water entered the kitchen, hallway, and living room to a depth of approximately 25 cm. Professional flood restoration was carried out including strip-out of affected plasterwork to 1 metre, replacement of all ground-floor flooring, and rewiring of ground-floor electrical sockets to 1 metre height. The claim was settled for \u00a318,500 (ref: GHI-11223). We have since installed flood barriers on external doors, non-return valves on drains, and raised electrical sockets, at our own cost. This is also disclosed in Section 7 of this form. |
| Claims refused? | No. |
| Special terms? | Yes. Our current buildings insurance has a flood excess of \u00a32,500 (compared to the standard \u00a3500 excess for other perils). We are insured through Flood Re via our provider. |
Special terms, exclusions, and Flood Re
The TA6 asks specifically whether any special terms have been imposed on your buildings insurance policy. This question is just as important as the claims question, because special terms directly affect whether the buyer can obtain adequate insurance.
Common special terms you must disclose include:
- Increased excesses \u2014 a higher excess for flood, subsidence, or storm claims than the standard policy excess.
- Exclusions \u2014 specific perils excluded from cover, such as flood or subsidence.
- Policy conditions \u2014 requirements to maintain certain flood defences, drainage systems, or structural monitoring as a condition of cover.
- Flood Re backing \u2014 if your policy is backed by Flood Re (the government-supported reinsurance scheme for high-flood-risk properties), this should be mentioned, as the buyer will need to understand whether they can also access Flood Re cover.
- Policy cancellation or voiding \u2014 if any insurer has ever cancelled your policy or declared it void, this must be disclosed even if you subsequently obtained cover elsewhere.
If the buyer is obtaining a mortgage, their lender will require adequate buildings insurance as a condition of the mortgage offer. Any special terms or exclusions that limit the buyer's cover could affect whether the lender is willing to proceed. Early disclosure allows the buyer to investigate their insurance options before the transaction has progressed too far.
Cross-referencing with other TA6 sections
One of the most common TA6 mistakes is failing to cross-reference insurance claims with other relevant sections of the form. Insurance claims rarely exist in isolation \u2014 they usually connect to other disclosures:
- Section 7 (Environmental matters) \u2014 a flood claim should be mentioned in both Section 6 and Section 7, where you describe the flooding event itself. Disclosing a flood claim in Section 6 but answering "No" to the flooding question in Section 7 is a contradiction that will immediately be flagged.
- Section 4 (Alterations) \u2014 if repairs following an insurance claim involved structural work, alterations, or changes that required building regulations approval, these should also be disclosed in the alterations section.
- Section 8 (Rights and informal arrangements) \u2014 if an insurance claim resulted in shared boundary wall repairs or access arrangements with neighbours, mention this in the relevant section.
- Section 3 (Guarantees and warranties) \u2014 any guarantees for repair work carried out following a claim (such as a damp-proofing guarantee or underpinning warranty) should be listed in the guarantees section.
The buyer's solicitor will read the entire TA6 and check for internal consistency. If your answers in Section 6 do not match what you have said elsewhere on the form, it raises questions about the accuracy of all your answers. Taking the time to cross-reference before submission avoids this problem entirely.
What happens if you do not declare a claim?
Failing to declare an insurance claim on the TA6 carries real legal risk. Under the Misrepresentation Act 1967, a buyer who discovers an undisclosed claim after completion can bring a claim against you. The consequences depend on the type of misrepresentation:
- Innocent misrepresentation \u2014 you genuinely forgot about the claim or did not realise it needed to be declared. The buyer may be entitled to damages based on the difference in property value.
- Negligent misrepresentation \u2014 you should reasonably have known about the claim but failed to check your records. Damages are assessed on a wider basis and can include consequential losses.
- Fraudulent misrepresentation \u2014 you deliberately concealed the claim. In the most serious cases, the court can rescind the contract (reverse the sale) and award damages including the buyer's legal costs and losses.
Beyond the legal risk, an undisclosed claim can cause the buyer significant practical problems. If they apply for buildings insurance and the insurer identifies a previous claim (through the Claims and Underwriting Exchange database), the buyer may face higher premiums, special terms, or even refusal of cover. If this happens after completion, the buyer is left dealing with a problem they did not know about. For a fuller discussion of your duty of disclosure as a seller, see our dedicated guide.
How to find your full claims history
Before completing the TA6, it is worth taking the time to compile a complete claims history. Here is how:
- Contact your current insurer. Ask them for a full claims history for the property, including dates, claim references, settlement amounts, and any special terms that have been applied.
- Contact previous insurers. If you have changed buildings insurance provider during your ownership, contact each previous insurer for their records.
- Check the CUE database. The Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) is a shared database used by UK insurers to record all reported insurance incidents. You can make a subject access request to obtain your CUE record, which will show all claims linked to you and your property over the past six years.
- Review your own records. Check correspondence folders, email archives, and bank statements for evidence of insurance payments or claim-related transactions.
- Check the TA6 you received when you bought the property. This will tell you what the previous owner declared about insurance claims. If they disclosed a claim, you are expected to pass that information on.
For a broader overview of getting the TA6 right from the start, our property information form tips guide covers every section of the form.
Practical tips for presenting your claims history
How you present your insurance claims on the TA6 can make the difference between a smooth transaction and weeks of additional enquiries. Follow these principles:
- Be specific about dates. "A few years ago" is not good enough. Provide the month and year of the event and the claim.
- Describe the cause and the damage. Explain what happened, which parts of the property were affected, and the nature of the damage.
- Include claim references and settlement amounts. These details allow the buyer's solicitor to verify the information and demonstrate that you are being transparent.
- Describe the repairs. Explain what work was carried out, who did it, and whether it was done to a professional standard. If a specialist contractor was used, name them.
- Attach supporting documents. Copies of repair invoices, guarantee certificates, monitoring reports, and insurer correspondence can be provided alongside the TA6. These documents preempt many of the questions the buyer's solicitor would otherwise ask.
- Explain what has changed since. If you have taken steps to prevent a recurrence (such as installing flood barriers or removing a tree that caused subsidence), describe them. This turns a negative disclosure into a demonstration of responsible property management.
How honest disclosure protects you
Many sellers fear that declaring insurance claims will frighten buyers away. In reality, the opposite is usually true. Buyers and their solicitors are reassured by sellers who are thorough and transparent. A well-documented claims history, supported by evidence of proper repairs, tells the buyer that you are acting in good faith and that the property has been properly maintained.
Concealment, on the other hand, is far riskier. As we explain in our guide on what happens if you lie on the TA6, the consequences of deliberate misrepresentation can include damages running to tens of thousands of pounds, rescission of the sale, and being responsible for the buyer's legal costs. The Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) database means that insurance claims leave a trail, and the buyer or their insurer may discover what you did not disclose.
The bottom line: there is no category of buildings insurance claim that is too old, too minor, or too resolved to declare on the TA6. When in doubt, disclose it, provide the details, and let the buyer make an informed decision. That transparency is your best protection against future claims.
Sources
- Law Society of England and Wales \u2014 Property Information Form (TA6), 4th edition, 2020
- Law Society Conveyancing Protocol, 5th edition \u2014 lawsociety.org.uk
- Misrepresentation Act 1967 \u2014 legislation.gov.uk
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 \u2014 legislation.gov.uk
- Insurance DataLab / CUE \u2014 Claims and Underwriting Exchange: insurancedatalab.com
- Association of British Insurers \u2014 Property insurance and disclosure guidance: abi.org.uk
- Flood Re \u2014 How Flood Re works for homeowners: floodre.co.uk
- RICS \u2014 Subsidence: guidance for home buyers and sellers: rics.org
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare every insurance claim I have ever made on the property?
Yes. The TA6 asks about all claims made against your buildings insurance, regardless of how long ago they occurred or how minor they were. This includes claims for storm damage, flooding, subsidence, fire, theft, escape of water, and any other insured event. Even claims that were settled for a small amount or withdrawn before settlement should be disclosed.
What if my insurance claim was refused or withdrawn?
You must still declare it. The TA6 specifically asks whether any claim has been refused, and a refusal or withdrawal can be just as relevant to a buyer as a successful claim. A refused subsidence claim, for instance, may indicate that the insurer identified movement but concluded it did not meet the policy threshold — which is still material information for the buyer.
Do I need to declare contents insurance claims on the TA6?
The TA6 focuses on buildings insurance rather than contents insurance. You do not generally need to declare a claim for a stolen laptop or damaged furniture. However, if a contents claim arose from a structural event — for example, contents damaged by flooding or a ceiling collapse — you should mention the underlying structural cause in the buildings insurance section, as it is relevant to the condition of the property.
Will declaring insurance claims reduce my property’s value?
Not necessarily. Buyers expect properties to have a history, and a well-documented claim with evidence of proper repairs can actually reassure a buyer. What damages value is undisclosed claims that surface after completion, because they erode trust and can lead to legal action. Transparent disclosure, supported by repair records and guarantees, is far less damaging than concealment.
What happens if I forget to declare an insurance claim?
If the omission is discovered before exchange of contracts, you can amend your TA6 answers. If it is discovered after completion, the buyer may have grounds for a misrepresentation claim under the Misrepresentation Act 1967. The severity depends on whether the omission was innocent, negligent, or fraudulent, with fraudulent concealment carrying the most serious consequences including potentially reversing the sale.
How do I find out what claims have been made on my property?
Contact your current insurer and ask for a claims history. If you have changed insurers, contact previous providers as well. You can also check the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) database by making a subject access request. CUE holds a record of all insurance claims reported in the UK over the past six years, though older claims may no longer appear.
Does a subsidence claim mean I cannot sell my property?
No. Many properties with a history of subsidence are sold every year. You must declare the claim on the TA6 and provide details of monitoring, underpinning, or other remedial work carried out. Most importantly, if your insurer has issued a certificate of structural adequacy or the monitoring period has concluded with no further movement, include this evidence. A resolved subsidence claim with proper documentation is far less concerning to buyers than an unexplained one.
Should I declare a claim made by a previous owner?
You must declare any claims you are aware of, even if they were made by a previous owner. If the claim was disclosed to you on the TA6 you received when you bought the property, or if you learned about it through searches or surveys, you are considered to have knowledge of it. If you genuinely have no knowledge of prior claims, you can answer accordingly, but you cannot ignore information that was provided to you.
Can the buyer’s solicitor find out about my insurance claims independently?
The buyer’s solicitor cannot directly access your claims history, but there are indirect ways claims come to light. Environmental searches may reveal flood or subsidence risk. Surveyors may spot evidence of past repairs. The buyer’s insurer may flag the property when the buyer applies for buildings insurance. If any of these reveal a claim you did not disclose, it will raise serious questions about the accuracy of your TA6.
Do I need to declare an insurance claim if the damage has been fully repaired?
Yes. The TA6 asks about claims made, not about current damage. Even if the damage was repaired to a professional standard and the property is in excellent condition, the fact that a claim was made is information the buyer is entitled to know. In fact, disclosing the claim alongside evidence of thorough repairs strengthens your position and demonstrates transparency.
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