Home insurance add-ons explained

The cover provided by a home insurance policy can vary depending on the insurer. You can usually ‘add-on’ extra cover for an additional cost. These optional extras allow you to tailor your policy to your own individual circumstances, so you only pay for the cover you need.

Personal possessions used away from home Many people mistakenly assume home insurance will cover their belongings both in and outside the home. You will usually need to add personal possessions cover (sometimes known as an all-risks extension) to your policy to ensure portable items, such as mobile phones, musical instruments and laptops, are protected away from the home. Items may also be covered when abroad with this add on – usually for up to 60 days a year.

Accidental damage Accidental damage provides cover for accidents around the home. Adding this cover to your contents insurance will protect you for life’s little mishaps like spilling red wine on your cream carpet, or a toddler wreaking havoc with a paintbrush.

If you add accidental damage cover to buildings insurance, you will be covered for accidents such as drilling through a water pipe or cracking a bathroom washbasin. Note that general wear and tear isn’t usually included.

Legal expenses Another optional extra for the majority of home insurance policies is legal expenses cover. This pays for the cost of legal proceedings should you need to go to court if a claim is disputed by any of the parties involved.

Home emergency cover This add-on will pay for emergency callouts and repairs if, for example, your boiler breaks down or a pipe bursts. Cover can vary between insurers, so you should check carefully, but it will often cover boilers and central heating, drains, plumbing, electrical faults, replacement locks and pest infestations.

The amount you can claim for boiler repairs may be lower than with standalone boiler cover.

What to consider Before adding any of these extras to your policy, check the small print carefully to see whether you’re happy with any exclusions or cover limits. In some cases, you may prefer to buy a standalone policy that offers more comprehensive cover.

If you’re unsure which add-ons are right for you, get in touch and we can help you find the right policy.

• The cover provided by a home insurance policy can vary depending on the insurer

• You can usually bolt on extra cover for an additional cost

• Optional extras allow you to tailor your policy to your individual circumstances

• Many people mistakenly assume home insurance will cover their belongings both in and outside the home

• You need to add personal possessions cover to your policy to ensure portable items are protected away from the home

• Not all standard contents policies will automatically cover high-value items

• Accidental damage provides cover for accidents around the home

• Legal expenses cover pays for the cost of legal proceedings should you need to go to court if a claim is disputed

• Home emergency cover will pay for emergency callouts and repairs

• If you’re unsure which add-ons are right for you, get in touch and we can help.