How Home Improvements will affect your Household Insurance Policy

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How Home Improvements will affect your Household Insurance Policy

Q: 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?

A: It should not make your contents cover go up. However, it may increase your buildings cover as you are adding value to the property. You have to remember that buildings insurance is based on a likely total rebuild cost, however secure the house may be.

Q: I've just had my garden re-landscaped. It cost £2000 - will this be covered by my home insurance?

A: Most insurance companies only insure the tools that are in out buildings up to a value of £500. You should be able to insure your garden separately under a specialist garden insurer.

Q: I have just set up an AV room, Windscreen plasma TV, DVD, and Cinema speakers. Do I need to tell my insurance company?

A: Most insurance companies have a limit on any one item, which is normally around £1000. A stereo system (e.g. amplifier + dvd player + speakers) is usually considered as one item. If you are in any way unsure, we would recommend calling your insurance company to tell them what you have bought.

Q: 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?

A: Most insurance policies cover printers, computers etc. If you are actually running a business from home, and have clients regularly visiting you, then we recommend you contact your insurance company to ask them if you need to increase your cover.

Please also note that your household contents insurance policy will only cover you for theft of, or damage in fire to, your computer equipment. It will not cover breakdown of the equipment.