Insurance claim... when insurance is up for renewal

[smoothieooo]

I have a bit of a dilemma in that a leaky pipe from the water tank in my son's room has caused a lot of water damage to the kitchen ceiling - to the point where a specialist repair is probably needed rather than just a cosmetic quick fix. I'm pretty sure it's an insurance claim but my problem is that my insurance is up for renewal on 1 September and the same company are quoting more than ?100 than others to renew.

The problem pipe is hopefully being fixed tomorrow but do I call my current insurer with the claim to make good the damage or do I wait a few weeks (which gives time for the ceiling to dry out a bit) and claim with my new, cheaper insurer? I'm at a bit of a loss (and have never actually claimed on my home insurance before). Any advice gratefully received!

You do not have to renew with the current company even if you have an ongoing claim with them. If you make a claim to them they will still see it through even if you are no longer insured with them at a later date.

Thanks Wow - I haven't started the claim yet and think it might be best if I stick with the same company (rather than claim within weeks of taking out insurance with a different insurer)!