Home

Generally, ‘buildings’ is taken to mean the main structure of the home and any property which would usually be left behind when moving house. For example, a fitted kitchen, bathroom or fireplace would be considered a permanent fixture.

Most home buildings policies organise the cover provided under three headings; standard perils covered, additional items of cover that are automatically included and optional extensions.

Standard perils include fire, lightning, earthquakes, theft and malicious damage – unless the premises have been unoccupied for a set period, usually 60 days.

Common additions cover damage to services such as water pipes or telephone cables, repairs to plumbing after freezing, accidental damage to fixed glass and sanitary fittings, emergency access, tracing leaks and loss or theft of keys.

Some risks are commonly excluded across all insurers, including war, pollution and contamination. There may also be restrictions on terrorism cover.

There is no industry standard definition of home or household contents, so policies will vary. They generally refer to goods and personal possessions belonging to the insured or a member of their household, or for which the insured or a member of their household is legally responsible. ‘Households’ could include a spouse or partner, domestic staff and any relatives living at the property.

Most home contents policies will exclude specific items, such as motor vehicles, motor cycles, caravans and other vehicles, livestock and pets, property held for business, securities, certificates and documents.