If you’re a homeowner you will more than likely have some kind of insurance. But have you checked the details recently? Here is some vital home insurance information that you really need to know. Read on for some essential facts about what home insurance covers in most events for your home.

Home insurance information that every homeowner should know

Often people spend a lifetime saving for or paying off their homes. As of 2018, around 65% of the UK population owned a home. People don’t only do this to have somewhere to stay, they also purchase homes as a form of investment, in order to benefit from the capital gains, and sometimes to be sold before downsizing for retirement. Imagine spending your life paying off your home and then disaster strikes – it’s damaged in a fire or natural disaster. All of that hard work, time, memories, and love put into a home that can suddenly be taken from you by bad luck. Worse still if you lost your home to someone else’s malicious intent. 

Most people who do not have home insurance are probably not aware of this potential dilemma. Prepare ahead of time by reading as much home insurance information as possible.

In the UK around 6 million people do not have any form of insurance. Yet the average cost of home insurance for content and building comes to approximately £ 6 GBP per week. The potential loss is, therefore,  disproportionate to the cost of insuring your home. So if you are on the fence and the above facts haven’t convinced you, next are some more reasons why homeowners insurance is an important part of owning a home.

What Is Home Insurance and What Does It Cover?

Homeowners Insurance is insurance that gives you protection in the form of finances for your home and its contents in the event of disasters, accidents, and thefts. However the amount of home insurance information made available by your policy holder may vary.  Policies differ so find out upfront what you are covered for before signing with an insurance provider.

Generally, homeowner insurance policies cover the structure of your home, your legal responsibility, additional living expenses (ALE), and your personal belongings. Depending on how much you pay, some will cover more, making it easier for you to sleep at night.

Many people may not be aware that homeowners insurance can cover you against your legal responsibility. This means that any liability that you may have for damage caused by yourself, your family, or your pets to others or their property is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Know The Details

As you can see, this covers quite a lot, which is great. However, before you purchase any insurance, research all the home insurance information you can find. Run a detailed check. Find out if your insurance covers you disasters, and if so to what extent are your personal property covered. You want to make sure you are getting what you pay for.

In the event that you need to make property claims, there are independent insurance experts who can ensure that the claim is carried out in your interest, and not only your insurers. It may be worth consulting with an independent claims expert. They can guide you and help you learn if a particular insurance policy is right for you. By shopping around and carefully screening your potential homeowners’ insurance policies, you can cover your home and get a lot more for less. 

What Risks Does My Home Face?

Depending on your research you can uncover a great deal of important home insurance information and details on risk. Usually, the greatest risks to home structures are natural disasters. In America, more than 43% of homes are said to be at risk of natural disasters. In the UK, around 1 in 6 homes are at risk of flooding. So it depends on where you live and what natural disasters are more likely in your area. Usually, storms, strong winds, fires, earthquakes, and flooding are the main culprits. Fires can be a risk wherever you are if there are flammable materials and substances in the home.

Dealing with Smaller threats

However, there are some smaller threats that are more likely to cause damage to your home and its contents that you should be aware of. These include leaks, mould, and plumbing issues. Imagine if a pipe bursts and it damages your furniture and electrical appliances. Repairs and replacements comprise a serious unexpected expense. The other, more common threat (which also depends on where you live) is theft.  Organized thieves often move from area to area. Usually they take people by surprise because theft may not be considered common in their neighbourhood.

It is traumatic to have an intruder in your home. Even if no-one is at home it can feel invasive and stressful. Moreover, it can be devastating to have computers, TVs, jewellery, and other items of value stolen from your home. Make sure you uncover as much home insurance information as possible about your policy before you commit. Your homeowner’s insurance policies will cover you for some if not all of the replacement and repair costs due to theft in your home.

Whether you are purchasing a home as an investment or a place to live, you need protection against such threats. Homeowners insurance is a form of protection against loss and damage that is far cheaper than the disproportional potential loss you may face. Remember while you are researching home insurance information, thoroughly examine insurance policies. Make sure that you get the option that is best for you. It could make all the difference in the world. 

FURTHER READING FOR HOMEOWNERS

6 Home insurance essentials for homeowners

Prepare your home for a natural disaster

Avoiding DIY disasters – What to do

Disaster ? How to deal with the insurance company

Best home DIY maintenance practice – Top Tips