Accidental Damage Cover: a quick guide
Accidental damage is typically available as an optional extra to your home insurance policy but can also be included as standard with some policies. In a nutshell accidental damage covers you against damage caused by you or others that is deemed to be an accident. Accidental damage is defined as something which is both sudden and unexpected. Accidents will happen and having accidental damage cover means you don’t need to fund all the repair bills.
What you are covered for?
On a standard cover policy, typical scenarios would be if you dropped a vase, spilt wine or paint on upholstery, put a nail through a pipe, damage to your ceiling, walls or flooring. Insurers will vary on the level of cover offered.
What about children?
Cover against any damage caused to your property by your children is available by most providers, some common exclusions are portable electrical equipment and designer clothing. But every provider is different and you need to check the policies details before purchase.
Animals
Many house insurance providers will not provide cover for damage caused by animals including wild animals that may damage or infest your home.
Important things to remember…
- Accidental damage cover is not usually available where children are minded at the property.
- General wear and tear will not be included in your cover or damage that occurs over time.
- Mechanical failure is not usually covered.
- Be careful when you’re clearing up the mess, damage caused by cleaning is excluded from several buildings and contents insurance policies.
Read the policy's details!
Before taking out accidental damage insurance it is important to look at all of the small print to see what items and damage claims the policy will cover. Especially look if the policy covers new-for-old and if it has a high risk item list limit.
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