When you bought your home, did you carefully check through your home insurance policy before signing up for it? If not, you’re not alone. When it comes to contracts, many Brits don’t read the small print.
Having cover for your home is usually a condition of your mortgage being granted, however by the time you’ve completed on your property, it’s likely that you feel you’ve read enough. But taking the time to check through your policy can be vital should something go wrong.
If you want to find out what your home is insured against before things go pear-shaped, here is a look at how to work out what you’re covered for.
Read Carefully
If you want to get acquainted with your home insurance policy, grab a highlighter and work though the wording, checking through key areas. If you find there’s too much jargon, get in touch with your insurance provider for some clarity.
Most insurers will offer standard contents and building cover. This means your property will be covered for up to an amount set out by the insurer. You’ll need to double-check what you can claim for if you have basic cover as there may be instances where you’re not insured.
What Package do You Have?
When you chose your home insurance, you’ll have been presented with upgrades and offered a series of add-ons. Did you sign up for any of these?
If you’ve selected for the enhanced package that offers cover for everything from jewellery and accidental damage to legal services and accidents at home, you’re more likely to be insured should anything go wrong.
What can go Wrong?
Now you know what your policy includes, have a look around the building. There is a lot of damage that can be done to a property, either accidentally by people living in the house or through other factors, such as bad weather or structural issues. Having an idea of the type of damage that can occur before you look through your policy is a good jumping-off point when getting to grips with the cover you have.
Begin by assessing the house, starting with the roof. Is it likely to withstand stormy weather? What about the gutters? Are they clear of debris?
How about the interior? Check everything from the walls for damp to the furniture for fire safety.
By analysing the structure of the property and its contents, you’ll have an idea of what could be impacted should you need to put in a claim.
Shop Around
You don’t have to stay with the same provider. If you want to upgrade your cover or you’d like to find a better deal, feel free to shop around. Comparison sites like Compare the Market can help you grab the best bargains, so you can get full cover and total peace of mind.
How to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy - Let's Fix It
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