We have all seen them on TV or read about them in the news. Disasters and jaw-dropping events that take us all by surprise. Contemporary home insurance gives you an awesome level of cover. But it’s important to check the details of your policy because there are some things you might be surprised to learn are not covered.
What does home insurance cover?
Protecting your most valuable asset is important, and so many things can go wrong. Home insurance can be divided into two parts.
Buildings insurance
This covers damage to the structure, or bricks and mortar, of your home and permanent fixtures and fittings like your bathroom suite or kitchen.
Contents
This covers the valuable items inside your home, such as clothes, furniture, TV, and jewellery.
Scary summer scenarios
An outdoor fire
You have a barbeque. A few friends come around, and it’s been a glorious summer’s day. Socialising carries on well into the night. One of your guests smokes and accidentally causes some of the garden growth to catch fire. It could be that you will not be able to make a claim unless it is stated in your policy that you or your guests smoked and claims for damage to your garden might not be covered in your policy.
Storm damage
This summer has already seen some contrasting and changeable weather, from blue-sky days to thunderstorms. Typically, storms are covered in your home insurance policy; however, insurers differ in how they define a storm. For example, if the wind speed is too low and is not defined as a storm, you may not be covered.
Summer holiday burglary
It’s the holiday season for many, and when you leave your home, you want to know that if you get burgled, you are covered. Your standard contents insurance policy will cover this. However, it’s important to update your policy if expensive items are added to your household contents.
Accidents while entertaining
Adding accidental damage to your home insurance policy is worth considering. If you are entertaining guests and they spill drinks on the furniture, you could claim. With a standard policy, these kinds of claims may not be covered.
Your bike gets stolen
This summer is here. Your aim is to get fit and enjoy the sunny sights of the season. You treat yourself to a new bike. You decide to store your bike in your lockable shed. But just because your policy covers the contents of your shed, it does not mean the full value of your bike is covered unless you inform your insurer in advance.
Damage caused by pets
Your dog is a bit boisterous at the best of times, and this time he has done his worst by chewing through the hose, which has led to more damage. Most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by pets. You may need to talk to your broker about specialist pet insurance.
DIY disasters
During the summer, it’s very tempting to get on with a bit of DIY. If you are taking on minor stuff like decorating and you cause damage, then you will be covered. But if your plan is to carry out work that should be undertaken by a qualified tradesperson like an electrician, then you will not be insured.
You can rely on your broker
A good broker will discuss any scenarios that you may be worried about that suit your lifestyle. Finding the right policy for you is important, and talking to an expert will point out aspects of your policy that may need add-ons and tailor a policy to your needs.
Need to renew or improve your home insurance cover? Get a quote today.