Home and Contents Insurance Guide
Are my belongings covered outside the home or when I go on holiday? Do I get any no-claims discount? Will my claim be paid on a new-for-old basis? We get all kinds of questions and some are more common than others so we've listed the most frequently-asked below. They probably cover your own concerns but, if they don't give us a call on 0800 027 9370.
Questions:
Answers:
A1
Can I get immediate cover?
Yes, if you have a credit or debit card we can insure your home straight away. This is subject to normal terms and conditions.
A2
When will I receive my insurance documents?
We try to get documents to our customers as quickly as possible. All our mail is sent by 1st class post, but you should allow 3-5 working days for the mail to reach you.
A3
How do I make a claim?
Please call your insurer straight away to report the claim. Their phone number will be shown on your policy schedule. If you can’t find this, please call us on 0800 027 1436 and we will transfer you through to them.
A4
Will my claim be paid on a new-for-old basis?
Yes, but there will be a reduction for wear and tear on clothing, furs and linen. For buildings, there may be a reduction in the claim amount if the buildings have not been kept in a good state of repair, or if they haven’t been insured for their full value. The policy book shows full details of this.
A5
What's the maximum number of bedrooms you will cover me for?
We can quote for up to 5 bedrooms as standard. If your home has more than this, please call us on 0800 027 7173.
A6
Do I get any No Claim Discount?
Yes, the discount you will get will depend on how many years you have had Home Insurance without making a claim.
A7
What is the most I can cover my home contents for?
The most we can cover as standard is £100,000. If you need more cover than this, please call and we will try to find a policy that will meet your needs.
A8
Do I get a discount if I have extra security fitted to my property?
Yes, if you have a NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security System) approved security system with a maintenance contract we may be able to give you a discount.
A9
Do you cover bicycles?
Yes, we cover bicycles for up to £500 each. If you want the bike covered outside the home you will need to insure it separately under the Personal Possessions option.
A10
Does the contents cover include accidental damage?
Limited accidental damage cover is included for home entertainment equipment and glass in furniture. If you want full accidental damage cover for all of your contents, you will need to choose this extra option. Please look at the policy book for full details of the cover given under each option.
A11
How can I pay for my policy?
We can take payment from your credit or debit card. You can choose to pay by one lump sum or by Direct Debit. A deposit will be needed if you pay by direct debit.
A12
How much should I insure my Home and Contents for?
Buildings:
This should be insured for the cost of rebuilding (not the current market value), which can usually be found on the buyers' report or survey you got when you bought the property (although, if this was not in the last few years, the amount will need to be increased to take inflation into account).
Or, you can check what amount is insured on your current buildings insurance policy.
Contents:
As a guide, contents are all of the items you would be likely to take when moving out, including carpets, curtains, furniture, electrical appliances, valuables, clothing and personal items. You should insure your contents for the total amount it would take to replace them at today’s prices.
A13
Can I insure my property if it is let to tenants?
We may be able to cover this. Please call us on 0800 027 7173 and we will check this for you.
A14
I live in a rented flat, can I insure my home contents with you?
Yes, if you own the contents of the flat, that is, it’s not rented “furnished”. The lowest amount we can offer insurance for is £15,000.
A15
Do I need to have proof that I own what I’m insuring?
No, but if you make a claim, you may be asked for evidence of value and ownership such as purchase receipts and instruction manuals. This is especially important for valuables, such as jewellery, watches or works of art.
A16
Will the Buildings insurance cover my garage and shed?
Yes. Provided they form part of the property, all domestic garages, outbuildings, sheds, extensions and conservatories are included in the buildings cover. You should make sure that your Buildings sum insured includes the rebuilding cost of these structures.
A17
Do I need to tell you the individual values of each thing I’m insuring?
You only need to tell us about individual "valuables", that is, jewellery, watches, furs, items or sets or collections of gold, silver or other precious metals, works of art, sets of stamps or coins or medals.
If you have valuables which are worth over £1500 you will need to name these on your policy
A18
Can I insure a property that is not my main home?
We may be able to insure a second home if we already insure your main home. But we can’t give cover if the second home is let out. There may be some differences in cover, depending on the circumstances. If you’d like a quote for a second home please give us a call on 0800 027 7173.
A19
I work from home. Can you still insure me?
Yes, we can insure your home if it’s used for business, but only if it’s clerical business work. Please call us on 0800 027 7173 so that we can check if we can cover you.
A20
How do I make a change to my home insurance policy?
Please call our Customer Service department on 0800 027 9370 where we will be able to help you.
A21
If I am adding an extension to my home, will I be covered for damage to the new building?
Until the extension is completed any loss or damage to the extension and unfixed materials would not be covered. Please call our Customer Service department on 0800 027 9370 to tell us when the building work starts and when it is completed. This will allow us to tell your insurer about it, and increase the sum insured to the new value.
A22
Are my belongings covered outside the home or when I go on holiday?
Only if you choose the Personal Possessions option. This will insure your personal belongings against theft, loss or accidental damage anywhere in Britain and for up to 60 days abroad each year. This includes one bicycle, up to £500 for Money and £500 for Credit Cards.
