What items does home insurance cover?

Things you might need to check are covered when choosing home insurance.

Cracked walls

Cracked walls can be a sign of structural issues, and whether they are covered by home insurance depends on the cause. Damage from subsidence, for example, can be covered, but general wear and tear or poor maintenance is not. Always report any cracks to your insurer to determine if they are covered.

Garden fences

Garden fences are usually covered under the buildings section of your home insurance policy, excluding storm. However, wear and tear or damage due to lack of maintenance is generally not covered. Check your policy details to understand the extent of coverage for your garden structures.

Moving house

Some policies include cover for items in transit, (if using professional removal contractors). It’s advisable to check with your insurer or consider additional moving insurance to ensure your belongings are protected.

Lost jewellery

Home insurance may cover theft of jewellery, but there are limits. Standard policies may have a cap on the amount you can claim for individual items. For high-value jewellery, you should specify these items separately on your policy and possibly pay an additional premium.This covers your jewellery inside the house only and you need to take out additional cover to be covered outside of the home. Always keep receipts and appraisals to support your claim.

Laptops

Laptops are generally covered under home contents insurance for standard perils. Unless they are business laptops, in that case they wouldn’t be covered. Similar to mobile phones, the cover can extend to accidental damage, theft, or loss if specified. Ensure your policy includes “all-risks” cover if you frequently use your laptop outside the home. This will provide comprehensive protection wherever you are.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones would generally need to be specified for full cover to apply. If specified, this will cover accidental damage, theft, or loss both inside and outside the home.

 

Understanding what your home insurance covers can save you from unexpected expenses and stress. Always read your policy documents carefully and speak to your insurer if you have any questions. By ensuring you have the right coverage, you can protect your home and valuables effectively.

Cover is subject to the limits of liability, conditions and exclusions recorded in your schedule and in the policy booklet. You do not have to purchase these covers to take out a home insurance policy.