Home insurance

Optional cover
You can often add on the following optional cover, for an extra premium:

• Accidental damage. Cover for accidents, like spilling paint on your carpet. Legal expenses cover
• 'All risks' - this covers the theft or loss of items when you take them out of the home
• Bicycles. These can usually be insured for an extra premium
• Valuables, like rings and antiques

Things to think about when taking out home insurance

• Is the cover sufficient for your needs?
• Does the cover rise automatically to take account of inflation?
• If you add a new conservatory or new kitchen, do you need extra buildings cover?
• If you work from home, check if you're covered for things like your work PC etc

Remember to compare like with like when looking at policies:

• Does your contents policy give you new for old replacements, or just enough to buy second hand replacements?
• Are you covered for accidental damage, like spilling wine on your carpet?
• Are your possessions covered outside the home?
• What's the policy excess (the amount you pay) for different types of claims?
• Do you have to pay extra for bicycles, boats and caravans?
• What's the limit on the cover for the contents of your freezer?
• Does the policy cover items in your garden or shed?
• Do you have to insure valuables over a certain limit separately?
• What's the limit for cash and other valuables - is it enough?

Making a claim
For information on making a claim visit our making a claim section.