Contents insurance

Unlimited contents insurance policies, also known as unlimited sum-insured policies, don’t typically impose a maximum limit on the amount you can claim for.

But while there might not be an overall limit, there may be a limit on the amount you can claim for a single item – even though this will be higher than a standard contents policy.

Yes, contents insurance can protect you against theft. But you won’t be covered if something is stolen from your home because of unforced entry – for example, through an unlocked door.

To protect items that you take with you when you’re out and about, like your phone or wallet, you’ll need personal possessions insurance.

Many contents policies will cover you for the cost of replacing locks if your keys are stolen or lost.

Your home contents policy will usually cover bikes against theft while they’re stored at your property. You might need extra bicycle insurance to protect them away from your home.

If your bike is worth more than £350, let us know when you compare quotes. Depending on the provider, it may need to be listed separately under your policy as a high-risk item.

If your garage is attached to your home, it might well be covered by a standard contents policy. If it’s separate structure, it might be classed as an outbuilding. If you have expensive tools and other items stored in your garage, you may need to extend your cover.

Some contents policies will cover garden furniture, for example, but you may need to add extra garden cover if you have expensive items like a patio heater or a hot tub.

Most home and contents insurance policies will have a maximum limit that any single item can be worth before you need to specify it separately on the policy – this is known as the single-article limit. It’s often set at £1,500 but could be lower or higher depending on the provider.

High-risk items are valuable possessions that could be easily stolen from your home – for example: jewellery, electrical goods, antiques and collectables.

When you get a quote with us, you'll need to list any high-risk items valued at more than £1,500.

Most home contents insurance providers will let you update your policy to include new high-value items, such as an expensive TV or gadget. The best way to do this is by getting in touch with your provider.

In addition, some providers will increase your cover before and after special events, such as a wedding or Christmas.

It’s possible that proof of purchase may be needed, especially for high-value items. Some providers will stipulate in their policy documents that you need to provide a receipt or photo of any items that have been stolen or damaged before you can claim for them.

Yes, usually your home office equipment – like your computer and printer – should be covered. You may need to list them separately if they cost more than the single-item limit. Check your policy documents to be sure. It’s also worth checking whether you need to tell your provider you work from home.

If your employer has given you equipment, then it should be covered under their insurance policy.

If you have customers who come to your home, or you keep stock on the premises, you might need to consider dedicated business insurance.

Your insurance policy will typically set out what you need to tell your provider about during the term of your policy. These will usually include:

• Move home
• Are having building work done
• Change the number of bathrooms and bedrooms
• Install solar panels
• Have someone other than family live with you – for example, you take in a lodger
• Start a business from home
• Leave your home unoccupied for a set number of days in a row
• Get new items over the single-item limit or increase the total value of your contents
• A family member is convicted of an offence other than a driving offence.  

If you don’t let your insurance provider know about these changes, any claim you make could be rejected. If you’re unsure if a change will affect your contents cover, it’s best to ask your provider.

Your provider could cancel your policy as soon as a payment is missed. Generally, you’ll only be covered if you pay your premiums.

Talk to your provider if you know you can’t make a payment as they may be able to offer some short-term help. 

You can earn no claim discounts on buildings insurance, contents insurance or combined policies.
 
If you don’t make any claims during the 12 months of the policy, then you can usually get a reduction on next year’s premium. If you don’t claim the following year, then you can build up your no-claims discount.

Typically, you can build up your discount over nine consecutive years, but this will vary among providers.

Yes, you can get short-term home insurance. It’s usually used to cover unoccupied properties.

For example, if you’re renovating a house before you move in, temporary contents insurance could protect your belongings while there’s no one living there.