A Guide to Home Insurance

April 26, 2024

What is Home Insurance Cover?

Home Insurance is made up of Buildings Insurance and Contents Insurance and is like your home's superhero, swooping in to fix things or replace lost items if the unexpected happens. Whether it's a leaky roof or a burst pipe, it's got you covered.

What types of damage are covered by home insurance?

Not all Home Insurance policies are created equal, but you can usually count on coverage for these classic mishaps:

Burst Pipes
Got a leak? Your policy should cover the chaos from burst pipes, often a winter nightmare. While "escape of water" damage is usually covered, some insurers go the extra mile by fixing the pipes themselves. Just don’t assume accidental damage covers your dodgy DIY—check the fine print!

Fire Damage
Not only does this cover the fire itself, but also the smoke, heat, and all those weird substances the fire brigade might spray around. Expect your policy to help with repairs, replace lost stuff, and even foot the bill for a temporary crash pad if your place is toast. Rebuild costs are calculated to handle everything from flooring to a total rebuild.

Accidental Damage
Whether it’s a rogue football shattering your window or a clumsy spill on of paint on your carpet, accidental damage covers those “oops” moments. Not every policy includes this, so double-check! Note: wear and tear, deliberate acts, shoddy workmanship, and pet mishaps often don’t make the cut.

Storm Damage
Wind, hail, rain, or snow causing chaos? Your policy should cover the repairs for everything from tree falls to roof wrecks. Most insurers will even sort temporary digs while your home gets patched up. Just be ready to prove that it was an actual storm causing the damage, not just a leaky roof that’s been dodgy for years.

Subsidence
Got cracks in the walls? Subsidence Cover is your friend, protecting against ground shifts that make your home look like it’s having a mid-life crisis. If subsidence is a new thing for your home, your policy should cover the repairs, though preventative fixes might be on you.

Criminal Damage
Vandalism or arson? Your insurance has got you covered. Just remember to report it to the police pronto, and your insurer might help fix broken windows or doors to keep the bad guys out. But a heads up—if your home’s been empty for more than 30 days, this cover might not apply.

Flood Damage
When floodwaters come into your home, standard policies usually step in to help. The Flood Re scheme can also make insurance more affordable for high-risk flood areas by covering some costs. Just make sure to check for any extra exclusions or hefty excesses if you’re living in a flood-prone zone.

What types of damage are not covered by home insurance?

While home insurance* has your back for many emergencies, it tends to skip over a few types of damage as standard. Here’s what might not make the cut:

• Damage caused by pets, because Fluffy’s mischief isn’t covered
• The everyday wear and tear of your home
• Any intentional damage

Need extra cover for those needs your policy doesn’t handle? You can usually snag add-ons to beef up your Home Insurance*. Just a heads-up: these extras can hike up the cost, so make sure they’re worth every penny before you dive in. Read about Contents Insurance here.

* Home Insurance consists of Buildings Insurance and Contents Insurance