Help & advice

Top tips for protecting your home

Your contents insurance or buildings insurance is there to protect your property and your possessions - and Aviva is there for you if you need us.

But what can you do to protect your premium, reduce claims and improve your home environment? Maybe more than you think! We've used our expertise to outline some good advice to help you do just that - see what a difference you can make.

Know your policy

Home insurance companies are here to help you when you need it most - and that means paying claims. At Aviva, did you know we pay out around £3 billion a year in claims of all types - that's more than £8 million a day!

Yet every year, insurers reject thousands of home insurance claims. This is often because people simply aren't familiar with their home insurance policy and what they are - and aren't - covered for. For instance, our 'Your Policy Uncovered' research conducted by ICM in January 2007 found that a third of us never take the time to read our insurance documents.

So don't get caught out by word-of-mouth assertions passed off as fact: do take some time to familiarise yourself with your policy. To get you off to a flying start:

• We've compiled the UK's top contents insurance and buildings insurance misconceptions for you.
• We've also pulled together a short guide to what's typically covered by your home insurance - and what's not.

Just follow the links below to find out more.

• The UK's Top home insurance myths
• What's usually covered - and what's not

The UK's top home insurance myths…

1. Matching pairs and sets
   A standard home insurance policy only covers the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged item in question, even if this forms part of a matching set. This can cause confusion if the claim is for a bathroom suite or a sofa and armchairs set, when many people expect the whole suite or pair to be replaced.
2. A gradually operating cause
   Sounds technical but it's pretty simple. Home insurance isn't a maintenance contract: generally it's there to help with unforeseen events and doesn't provide cover for damage that occurs over a period of time - what's known as the gradually operating cause. It's the homeowner's responsibility to keep their property in good order. For example, you are not covered for incremental damage caused to the property from a sustained period of bad weather - but you are covered for damage from an isolated event like a storm or a flood, and for subsidence.
3. Wear & tear
   Similarly, home insurance or contents insurance is not there to replace or repair things that have simply deteriorated over time. Areas commonly prone to 'wear & tear' on a building include guttering, flat roofs, fascia boards and boundary walls. Make sure you check these regularly.
4. Taking reasonable care
   We think it's fair to expect you to take all necessary precautions to protect your property. Leaving your home unlocked while you pop out to the shops or leaving windows open while you're out could be classed as negligent - resulting in a home insurance claim being turned down.
5. Loss within the home
   A basic home insurance policy tends to cover major things like theft, fire, subsidence, storm or water damage. Unless 'personal belongings' cover is added, items that are just 'lost' within the home aren't covered.
6. You must take out buildings or contents insurance with your mortgage lender
   Only if your mortgage lender specifies it. Usually you will be able to place your contents insurance or buildings insurance with whomever you like as long as you provide proof to your lender.
7. If my home is completely destroyed, the insurance will pay out the full market value
   No - your buildings insurance will only pay for the costs of rebuilding your home while your contents insurance replaces your possessions.

What's usually covered - and what's not

When we conducted our 'Your Policy Uncovered' research in 2007, we made some startling findings about home insurance:

• 33% of people never read their policy.
• 25% of people don't know what their insurance actually covers them for.
• 38% don't know when their policies expire.

No two home insurance policies are the same - but most policies come with a standard excess and will exclude broadly the same category of claim:

Subsidence, heave or landslip

• If caused by coastal or riverbank erosion.
• Unless your home, garages or outbuildings are damaged.
• Caused to flooring unless load-bearing walls are also damaged.

Accidental damage

• Caused by wear and tear or other gradually operating causes - including mildew, rot and corrosion.
• Caused by vermin, insects and/or pets.

Vehicles and craft

• Damage to road and other motorised vehicles you may own, except gardening equipment and children's toys.
• Damage to aircraft and boats - except models and toys.
• Any subsequent liability relating to these.

Home unoccupied
If you leave your home unoccupied for an agreed number of days, your home insurance may exclude any malicious damage, theft, leaking oil or water, glass breakage and other accidental damage. Be sure to check your policy for details.

Pedal bikes
If you leave any bikes unattended, any claim is likely to be rejected unless they are securely locked to a structure or in a locked building.

Theft from unattended vehicles
If you choose to insure some household items whilst away from the home, be aware that theft cover does not usually apply unless your property is hidden in a glove or luggage compartment and the vehicle is locked. Always keep your valuables out of sight and if possible, take them with you.

Business Use
If you use part of your home for business, make sure you let your home insurance company know - so you know where you stand. Aviva home contents insurance covers business equipment worth up to £5,000 as standard.

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