Whether you’re going to uni or moving into a family home it’s important to ensure that your property is covered in the event of fire or theft. Understanding contents insurance can be tricky, and with so many different types and companies on offer it can be a chore. So let’s explain the basics.
What exactly will contents insurance cover?
Well that depends entirely on the insurance provider you choose to go with, and the policy you want to take out. Most insurance providers will cover your standard items such as TVs, mobile phones, hifi systems and laptops but if any of these are special edition or really expensive then you should tell your insurer about them make sure they’re covered.
What will I be covered for?
The standard events are fire and theft which will always be covered, but some companies will cover for accidental damage too, sometimes at an extra cost. Of course if the fire or theft is a result of your carelessness, such as candle fires or leaving your door unlocked, then you probably won’t be able to claim, so make sure you’re careful!
Where should I look?
You can use price comparison websites to find quotes, but you should also look directly at insurance company websites to find the best deals. Legal and General have an easy to understand website at www.legalandgeneral.com which shows the breakdown of what is and is not covered, as well as the basic and extra policies you can choose. Legal and General home contents insurance is also good because, as mentioned earlier, they cover against accidental damage on their extra cover policy, a good idea if you want real peace of mind.
What might not be covered?
Anything which is unusual, such as rare pieces of art or antiques might not be covered because of their extra value. Most policies will specify an amount of artwork which can be covered without needing to pay extra, so if you’re keen on art or antiques you should check this out when looking for a quote. If you’ve got any specialist sports equipment then you should tell your insurance provider about them. Items such as surf boards, skis and expensive bicycles should be locked away at night and out of sight, either in a shed or a garage. Garden ornaments and tools might not be covered under standard policies but can normally be included as add-ons.
What extra steps can I take to keep the cost of contents insurance down?
Keeping your belongings safe is the best way to keep the quotes low. If you’ve got a good burglar alarm installed in your house and multiple locks on your front and back doors as well as good security on any sheds and garages then you’ll receive a lower quote than someone who hasn’t taken such thorough steps.
