Contents Insurance

Contents Insurance covers the loss or damage to the contents of your home. This can include furniture, electrical goods and other items in your home. Some policies also cover you for items you take outside- such as cameras, jewellery and briefcases. You’ll find that different policies offer different cover but as a rule of thumb you’ll generally be protected against fire and theft. You’ll also have the option to insure against accidental damage. It’s always important that you thoroughly read and understand the policy’s full terms and conditions.

What Isn’t Covered?

Anything that costs more than the maximum your insurer say they’ll pay- and quite often there’s a maximum amount on single items. You’ll need to specify the value of the contents being insured. Some companies have limits on the value of any one item under the general policy- so you’d need to specify individual items such as expensive jewellery or camera equipment for example. It’s also worth noting that your cover may also be affected or cancelled if your home is left empty for a long period of time or if you let it out to rent. Damage to the building itself isn’t covered- this would be covered under Buildings Insurance.

Keeping Costs Down

Many insurers will offer you a discount if your property has a burglar alarm, window locks or if you’re a member of your local neighbourhood watch scheme. Some insurers will offer you a deal if you combine contents and building insurance. The majority of policies have a standard excess charge whereby you agree to pay the first part of any claim- such as the first £50 or £100. In some cases if you agree to pay a higher excess, you might get a cheaper policy. It’s always best to compare what’s covered in policies, not just the price- the key policy information will help you with this. Some might be cheaper than others, but you need to ask yourself- do you get the same level of protection?

Benefits can include:

Accidental Damage Cover

Credit Card Misuse

Deeds, registered bonds and personal documents

No Claims Discount

Domestic outbuilding contents (other than garages)

Door lock replacement

Frozen food

Garden

Gold, silver, jewellery and furs

Money

Seasonal / Wedding increase info