Questions to ask for getting the best from your insurance

You need to have a list of questions for the insurance company to answer.

To make sure you have a home contents policy that is tuned to your needs, you need to have a list of questions for the insurance company to answer.

Comparison goes beyond price – a policy can be cheap because the cover is insufficient for your needs.

What you really need is a policy tailored as close as possible to match your requirements at an affordable price.

Here are some questions you ought to ask your broker or insurance company so you can compare their policies head-to-head:

Defining the covered risks

Most home contents policies have a standard cover against fires, theft, storm damage, flooding, subsidence, theft and a few other events.

If you live in a flood or subsidence risk area, you need the company define exactly what coverage is available. Saying your policy covers flooding and then claiming when you have a river flowing through the front room are two different things.

Alternative accommodation

If something happens to your home and you can’t live there for a lengthy period, find out what alternative accommodation arrangements the policy offers

Accidental damage

If your adorable toddle pours a drink over your computer, you should be confident that the insurance company would replace the item.

Freezer contents

Many policies cover replacing food in your freezer if it is ruined by a power cut or other event.

Replacement basis

New-for-old is best because you receive the full value of the item you have lost

Locks and keys

Changing the locks can be an expensive exercise. If your keys are lost or stolen, find out if your policy covers replacing the locks.

Downloads

Music and film downloads are fast replacing DVD and CD. If you lost or damaged your player, you can insure against the cost of replacing your collection. Most sensible people would have a back up on their computer.

Legal costs

Many insurance companies have advice lines with qualified solicitors who can discuss legal matters and act on your behalf. Sometimes their fees are covered by your home contents insurance.

Breakdown insurance for your boiler or heating

It’s often cheaper to have this cover included in your policy rather than arranging separate cover with your utility company.

Garden and outbuildings

Cover varies from insurer to insurer, but you need to know theft or damage to your garden furniture and tools is covered

Home office cover

Most home contents policies exclude home office cover. Sometimes you can buy this cover as an add-on or you may have to arrange a separate policy.

Exclusions

It’s all well and good knowing what is included in the cover – but it’s just as important to find out what’s not as well.

Covering the basics

What you may well find is most companies have a basic home contents policy with a menu of add-on services at extra cost from which you can tailor a policy that suits your personal needs.