Accidental Damage Buildings Insurance: What You Need to Know

Accidental damage buildings insurance is a type of insurance that protects homeowners from unexpected damage to their property. This can include damage from burst pipes, fallen trees, and more.

You may be surprised to know that accidental damage insurance can be added to your home insurance policy for a relatively low cost, often around 10-20% of your annual premium.

Damage to your home's roof, walls, or floors can be costly to repair, but with accidental damage insurance, you can rest assured that you're protected against unexpected events.

This type of insurance can also cover damage caused by subsidence, which is when the ground beneath your home shifts or settles, often due to natural causes like earthquakes or soil erosion.

Buildings insurance typically covers damage by weather, fire, or crime, but adding accidental damage insurance can provide extra protection for unintentional accidents.

You can expect to be covered for damage to permanent fixtures, such as pipes, kitchen fittings, doors, and windows, with accidental damage building insurance.

Some scenarios that tend to be covered by buildings insurance accidental damage include broken glass in windows, doors, and solar panels, damage to ceramic hobs, and damage to drains, pipes, and cables.

You should also be covered for breakages to your walls and ceilings, damage caused by a colliding car or a falling tree, and damage to keys or locks.

If you accidentally drill through a pipe, you should be covered for damage to the pipe, as well as any damage caused to the floor or carpet by the leak.

Here are some examples of what's usually covered under buildings insurance accidental damage:

Accidental damage buildings insurance can be a lifesaver, but it's essential to know what's not covered.

Damage caused by pets and other animals, such as chewed dining table legs or scratched sofas, is not covered. This is because insurance companies would be inundated with queries of this nature, and it's just not feasible to cover it.

Accidental damage to items inside a property that you don't live in is also not covered. This includes electrical or mechanical breakdowns, which is a shame because it's often the items in second homes or rentals that need the most protection.

Damage caused by moths, insects, vermin, and parasites may also be excluded from your policy. This varies between providers, but it's essential to check your policy before making a claim.

If the damage wasn't accidental, insurers might not pay out on your claim. Evidence is essential, and you'll need to prove that it was an accident.

It's worth noting that standard home contents accidental damage applies only to your personal belongings within your current place of residence. This means that if you're a tenant, you'll need to take out individual contents policies to cover your personal effects.

Accidental damage can occur in a flash, often due to well-meaning but misguided DIY efforts. Homeowners may inadvertently hammer nails in the wrong places or drop paint pots, causing costly damage.

DIY disasters are often covered by accidental damage policy add-ons, but ongoing renovation work usually isn't. It's essential to check the wording to ensure you're protected.

Kids aren't the only ones responsible for accidental damage claims - even the most careful homeowners can make mistakes that lead to costly repairs.

Accidents caused by animals can be a real challenge for homeowners. Some accidental damage policies don't cover damage caused by pets chewing, scratching, tearing, or fouling.

If your pet likes to nibble or claw, your policy might not cover the damage. You can get insurance specifically for pet damage, but it might be easier and cheaper to employ tactics to stop your pet from damaging your home.

Damage caused by wild animals, insects, parasites, and birds is also not covered by accidental damage policies. However, if you have Home Emergency cover on your regular home insurance policy, this type of damage might be covered.

If your pet accidentally knocks over an expensive vase, you might be able to get some coverage, but it depends on your policy. It's worth asking your insurer about this type of cover.

Accidental damage claims aren't just caused by kids, but also by well-meaning adults with DIY determination.

DIY disasters can happen to anyone, from nails hammered home in the wrong places to dropped paint pots and sawn-through water pipes.

If you're doing DIY and accidentally damage something, you should be covered by your insurance, but only if you're not doing work that you're not qualified to do.

Accidental damage policy add-ons often cover DIY damage, but ongoing renovation work usually isn't, so check the wording to be sure.

It's essential to check your insurance coverage before attempting any DIY work, especially if it's something like plumbing or electrical work that requires expertise.

Wet or dry rot damage is a common issue that can be costly to fix. This type of damage is usually not covered under accidental damage cover, as it's often caused by factors beyond your control.

Some types of rot are more likely to occur in certain areas of your home. Wet rot, for instance, is often found in areas with high humidity or water exposure, like bathrooms or kitchens.

Dry rot, on the other hand, can be found in areas with poor ventilation or dry conditions, like attics or basements. It's essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Accidental damage buildings insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to unexpected repairs. You're usually covered for damage caused by accidents, such as putting your foot through the ceiling while working in the attic.

Some examples of scenarios that tend to be covered by buildings insurance accidental damage include broken glass in windows and doors, damage to ceramic hobs, and breakages to your walls and ceilings.

If you accidentally drill through a pipe, you should be covered for damage to the pipe, as well as any damage caused to the floor or carpet by the leak. This can be a big relief, especially if you're not prepared for the unexpected costs of repairs.

Home insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to unexpected roof repairs. If your roof is damaged due to storm damage, leaks, or wear and tear, you might be covered under your home insurance policy.

Buildings insurance usually covers damage by weather, fire, or crime, so if a strong wind knocks a tree branch onto your roof, you should be covered. Accidental damage building insurance also covers permanent fixtures, such as pipes and kitchen fittings.

Some common scenarios that tend to be covered by buildings insurance accidental damage include broken glass, damage to ceramic hobs, and breakages to walls and ceilings. If you accidentally drill through a pipe, you'll be covered for damage to the pipe and any subsequent damage to the floor or carpet.

Here are some examples of what's typically covered under accidental damage building insurance:

Taking belongings outside your home can be a challenge, especially when it comes to insurance coverage. If you're moving house using a professional company, your items should be covered.

You're likely to be on your own if you move them yourself and they get damaged. For insurers to consider paying out, the damage needs to happen inside your property boundary.

It's essential to be aware of this limitation to avoid any potential issues.

You can add Accidental Damage Cover to your Home Insurance policy, but it's not compulsory. A good broker will offer you the option, and most insurers charge an additional 10-15% of your current premium for it.

To get Accidental Damage Cover, simply contact your current insurer and ask them to add it to your policy. You can also ask for advice from a qualified professional, like an insurance broker or adviser, to address any concerns you may have.

Accidental Damage Cover can give you extra reassurance, but it's essential to consider your risk level and the potential cost of accidents. Think about how prone you are to accidents at home and whether you need the extra protection.

Accidental damage cover can seem like a mystery, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics.

Adding accidental damage insurance to your home insurance policy can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events.

To decide if accidental damage cover is worth it, consider your attitude towards risk and the likelihood of accidents happening in your home.

You might find that adding accidental damage insurance as an extra to your policy isn't overly expensive, but make sure you understand what you're signing up to.

If you make a claim, it could affect your no-claims discount, so factor that into your decision.

Some things to consider when deciding whether to take out accidental damage cover include:

It's also essential to understand any exclusions, such as damage caused by pets or DIY projects.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether accidental damage cover is right for you.

Getting Accidental Damage Cover is a straightforward process. A good broker will offer you the choice to add it to your policy.

You're not legally obliged to have it, but it gives you many benefits, including protection against unexpected damages. Most insurers charge an additional 10-15% on top of your current premium to add Accidental Damage Cover.

If you've already taken out a policy without cover, don't panic! Simply get in touch with your current insurer over the phone and ask them to add it to your policy.

Remember to ask your insurer about the specifics of their Accidental Damage Cover, as this information is also available in your policy document.