Contents insurance

Unlimited contents insurance covers everything in your home, with no maximum limit on the amount you can claim for. This type of contents insurance is sometimes called unlimited sum-insured.

But while there might not be an overall limit, there may be a limit on the amount you can claim for a single item. With unlimited contents insurance, the limit will be higher than in 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 or open window.

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.

If your garage is attached to your home, it may be covered by a standard contents policy. Bear in mind that if it’s a separate structure, it might be classed as an outbuilding. Check the policy wording to make sure you’re covered.

Look out for any cover limits. If you have expensive tools and other items stored in your garage, you may need to increase your cover.

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

The single-article, or single-item, limit is the maximum you can claim for any single item on your home contents insurance, unless you specify it separately on the policy.

The single-article limit is often set at £1,500, but could be lower or higher depending on the provider or policy. Check your policy details to be sure.

When you take out a contents policy, make sure you list any items over the single-article limit, so you can claim for their full value.

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. 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, but this might not be automatic.

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

Your home office equipment – like your computer and printer – is typically covered by your home contents insurance.

You may need to list equipment separately if it’s worth 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’s their responsibility to insure it. You don’t need to add it to your home contents 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 things you need to tell your provider about if they crop up during the term of your policy. This often includes:

• Moving home

• Having building work carried out

• Changing the number of bathrooms or bedrooms

• Installing solar panels

• Having someone other than family live with you

• Starting a business from home

• Leaving your home unoccupied for longer than your policy allows

• New items worth more than the single-item limit

• Increasing 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 whether a change would affect your contents cover, 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.

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.