Contents insurance
Contents insurance includes everything in the home belonging to the Policyholder, their family and other residents of the home. It also includes other property for which the Policyholder is responsible (for example a rented television).
Generally everything which is not permanently fixed within the building is covered. Furniture, furnishings, carpets (including fitted carpets), curtains, electrical goods, household goods and clothes.
What risks are covered?
Most Insurance policies will cover the Contents against certain risks and these may vary from one insurer to another. In general terms the risks covered will include:-
- Fire, Explosion, Lightning, Earthquake.
- Riot, strike, labour disturbance, civil commotion and malicious acts by persons.
- Impact or collision by aircraft or other aerial devices.
- Storm or flood and falling trees.
- Theft or attempted theft.
- Escape of oil or water, for example from a washing machine or central heating system.
- Mirrors, fixed glass in furniture and television sets.
- Professional fees & certain other costs. For example Architects and surveyors fees incurred during repairs.
- Cost of alternative accommodation, if the home is made uninhabitable because of the extent of the damage to the Contents.
- Legal Liability as an occupier.
Contents insurance - what is NOT covered?
Contents insurance policies will have Exclusions, that is risks that the insurer is not prepared to accept, and in general they will include:-
- Cars, motorbikes, caravans and trailers
- Livestock and pets
- Damage caused by escape of water or oil or malicious damage if the property is left unoccupied for a significant period of time.
- Theft of any Contents if the home is lent, let or sublet (unless there is a break in)
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Damage caused by War, civil war, rebellion and revolution
- Damage caused by sonic booms and by radioactive contamination
- Once again, in every case the insurer will provide an exact definition in the Policy wording