When you’re taking out a new home insurance policy or renewing an existing policy, it is important that you are aware of any features that may be excluded from the policy.
Some of the cheapest home insurance quotes are so cheap because they carry a lengthy list of exclusions. Some exclusions are general and will apply to most home insurance quotes you request. Others, however, might include more specific exclusions and account for the reason why your quote is one of the cheapest home insurance quotes on the market; don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest quote every time – check all the details and make sure everything you need to be covered is included.
What are general exclusions?
Insurance companies often exclude any loss, damage or liability resulting from radioactive contamination or nuclear waste. They may also exclude loss, damage or liability resulting from war or an invasion including civil war or terrorism. There are often many general exclusions and you must check your policy carefully to ensure you are aware of what it covers and what is excluded.
Other exclusions
Home insurance policies also often have other exclusions, some of which may surprise you if you haven't read the small print. For example, sewer and drainage problems are sometimes not covered in general home insurance policies. If you have had sewer or mains services problems in the past it is worth checking this is included when you renew or take out a new policy.You can request specific things to be covered, which only might increase your premium minimally.
If you know you live near an area that has been or is likely to flood, you may require extra or specialist protection. Some home insurance providers may refuse to cover you as they consider you too much of a risk, so you'll need to find a provider who deals specifically with these risk issues. Check all the details in your polciy that relate to flooding and subsidence issues.
It is really important to think carefully about your home insurance and what cover you require. When making a claim, it can make a big difference if you’re fully aware what your policy covers and what exclusions apply to it. A huge amount of time and stress can be avoided if you carefully read your policy documents before agreeing to them.
Read more in our home insurance guides or get a quote now.