How will home improvements affect your household insurance policy?

I am having a new conservatory added to my house. It has level 5 door locks, window locks, and toughened glass. Will this make my insurance premiums go up?

It shouldn't make your contents cover go up. However, it may increase your buildings cover as this is based on a likely total rebuild cost.

I've just had my garden landscaped. It cost £2,000 - will this be covered by my home insurance?

It will be depend upon your individual policy, so make sure you check. Many standard home policies do provide cover up to £2,000 for plants, trees and shrubs and also garden furniture.

I have converted the box bedroom into a home office. It has my computer, printer, and fax machine in there. Do I need separate cover?

Insurance policies will cover items like printers and computers as standard. However, if you are actually running a business from home, and have clients regularly visiting you, then you should contact your insurance company to ask them if you need to increase or change your cover.

Household contents insurance policy will only cover you for theft of, or damage by an insured event, such as a fire, to your computer equipment. It will not cover breakdown, for instance.

I was doing some DIY and spilt paint all over my sofa and carpet. Am I covered?

It will be depend on the policy, but usually only if you have an enhanced level of accidental damage cover. If you are a keen DIY person it could be a good idea to add accidental cover to your policy.