Home insurance FAQs

An excess is the first amount of any loss that you are responsible for paying in the event of making a claim. This amount is deducted from the total claim settlement figure. 

Please refer to your schedule of insurance, policy booklet, or contact us directly if you wish to query this amount.

House Insurance is designed to cover the cost of unexpected losses. It does not cover wear and tear. If your property is not in a good state of repair, your claim may not be paid in full.

Yes. For certain damage cover is restricted after 35 days. 

Please refer to your policy book list for a full list of restrictions.

How much should I insure my buildings for?

Your buildings should be insured for its reinstatement value, including the cost of professional fees and site clearance.

How much should I be insuring my contents for?

Your contents should be based on the cost of replacing the contents ‘as new’at today's prices, and should cover everything that you would take with you if you moved house. The contents should cover all items within the home and domestic outbuildings. If cover is needed for items away from the home e.g. jewellery, All Risks cover must be selected. Refer to the All Risks Cover section of the Household Policy document for full details and the section on what is “All Risks” cover below.

What happens if I underinsure my home?

The Average Clause applies to our household policies. This means that if the sum insured at the time of the loss is less than the insurable value of the buildings or contents the amount claimed under the policy may be reduced in proportion to the underinsurance.

We offer premium discounts for improved security. Examples may include, having good-quality locks and a burglar alarm.

All Risks cover is an optional extension of cover under your policy which protects you against loss or theft of, or accidental damage to, personal valuables such as jewellery, clothing, photographic equipment etc. both inside and outside your home. It also covers you for items you take abroad for up to 60 days.

There are two types of All Risks cover:

1. Specified All Risks Cover: which allows you to list individual items on your policy, and specify their value. Specified items normally include jewellery, hearing aids, bicycles, cameras and other valuables. Each item is covered up to the amount you insure it for.
2. Unspecified All Risks Cover: is an umbrella style cover which allows you to select a total amount that your personal effects will be covered for each year. There is no need to list each item individually. This cover is designed for items such as glasses, mobile phones, handbags etc.

Certain limits apply to Unspecified All Risks cover. Please refer to Household Policy document for more details.