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? 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:
Q24
Q26
Answers:
A1
Can I get immediate cover?
Yes, we can arrange immediate cover, no debit or credit card is required. Subject to 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 7 working days for the mail to reach you.
A3
How do I make a claim?
In the event of a claim, please check your policy documents to find the telephone number to contact your insurer directly.
A4
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.
A5
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.
A6
What is the most I can cover my home contents for?
We can cover up to £200,000 worth of contents. If you have special requirements please contact us on 0800 027 7173.
A7
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.
A8
Do you cover bicycles?
Yes, we cover bicycles for up to £500 each. Bicycles over £500 can also be covered if you provide us with the details of the bicycle. If you want the bicycle covered outside the home you will need to insure it separately under the Personal Possessions option.
A9
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.
A10
How can I pay for my policy?
We can take payment from your credit or debit card if you choose to pay in a lump sum. You can also pay by Direct Debit. You can choose to pay no deposit to set up your insurance. Subject to terms and conditions.
A11
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).
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 todays prices.
A12
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.
A13
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, its not rented furnished. The lowest amount we can offer insurance for is £15,000.
A14
Do I need to have proof that I own what Im 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.
A15
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.
A16
Do I need to tell you the individual values of each thing Im 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 and you will be asked to provide a valuation certificate.
A17
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. There may be some differences in cover, depending on the circumstances. If youd like a quote for a second home please give us a call on 0800 027 7173.
A18
I work from home. Can you still insure me?
Yes, we can insure you in some cases. Please call us on 0800 027 7173 if you require this type of cover.
A19
How do I make a change to my home insurance policy?
Please call our Customer Service department on 0800 027 6646 where we will be able to help you.
A20
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 6646 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.
A21
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, up to £500 for Money and £500 for Credit Cards. You can also upgrade your policy to cover your gadgets. If you wish to do this please call 0800 027 6646.
A22
My property is a grade one or an A listed building. Am I able to be covered?
We do not cover grade one or A listed buildings. However, please call our Specialist Home Insurance provided by Towergate on 0844 736 8233 for a quote.
A23
The property to be insured is not in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Northern Ireland. Can I be covered?
We will not cover this. However, please call our Specialist Home Insurance provided by Towergate on 0844 736 8233 for a quote.
A24
My property is left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days during the year. Can I be covered?
We will not cover this. However, please call our Specialist Home Insurance provided by Towergate on 0844 736 8233 for a quote.
A25
The Re-build cost of my property is more than £1,000,000. Will you cover this?
We will not cover you if the re-build cost of your property is in excess of £1,250,000. However, please call our Specialist Home Insurance provided by Towergate on 0844 736 8233 for a quote.
A26
If my home shows signs of subsidence, landslip or heave, will you provide me with buildings cover?
We will not cover you if your home shows signs of subsidence, landslip or heave. However, please call our Specialist Home Insurance provided by Towergate on 0844 736 8233 for a quote.
A27
How do I renew my policy?
If you have a home insurance policy with us currently which is due for renewal please call us on 0800 027 6646.
