Home insurance

Frequently asked questions

This FAQ page covers policy information purchased through aviva.co.uk and our contact centres. If you have an Aviva Online, Premium, Plus, Flex or Select policy, you can check your details by logging in to MyAviva.

If I host Ukrainian refugees, will it affect my home insurance?

No, we’ll treat refugees as guests, and you don’t have to tell us that they’re staying with you. They’ll be covered by your policy in the same way as any guests living in the home. Read more about your cover if you host a refugee.

How do I change the address on my Home or Motor Insurance policy?

If you have moved already you may be able to change your address by logging into MyAviva if you hold:

 

  • Home policies only
  • Home, Motor, Life and/or Travel insurance and your policy is in your name only (single policy holder's)
  • If you are changing your correspondence address only or the correspondence address and the address we are covering.

 

Alternatively, please contact our customer support team:

 

Please note if your policy number starts with the letters CVH, CHH, AVP or your policy is due for renewal you will need to Contact Us.

 

Am I covered for moving house?

Our contents insurance includes cover for your contents while being moved by professional removers from your existing home (provided we are already insuring your contents at this address) to your new permanent home (including temporary storage in a recognised storage depository for up to seven days).

If you're a new customer, for cover limits and exclusions (such as money, jewellery and watches) please see our policy booklet.

If you're an existing customer, for cover limits and exclusions (such as money, jewellery and watches) please refer to the documents section of MyAviva on the policy you wish to view.

What is "Limited" Accidental Damage cover?

For buildings "Limited Accidental Damage" covers accidental damage to any fixed glass, sanitary fittings or service pipes and cables. For example, accidentally breaking your hand basin.

For contents it covers accidental damage to non-portable home entertainment equipment, mirrors and glass in furniture. For example, if you accidentally drop your TV while moving it to decorate.

What is "Extra" Accidental Damage cover?

For buildings "Extra Accidental Damage" extends the "Limited Accidental Damage" cover to over accidental damage to the rest of the building. For example, putting your foot through the ceiling while in the loft.

For contents this extends the limited cover to cover accidental damage to most contents. For example, spilling a glass of red wine on your carpet or sofa.

If you're a new customer please see our Policy Booklet for the exclusions or, if you're an existing customer, please refer to the document section of MyAviva on the policy you wish to view.

Are mobile phones covered by home insurance?

Under contents insurance we will automatically provide cover for loss of or damage to mobile phones caused by any of these events whilst in the home:

 

  • Fire, explosion, lightning, earthquake and smoke damage
  • Storm and flood damage
  • Riot, civil commotion, strikes, labour and political disturbances
  • Damage by malicious persons or vandals
  • Collision by aircraft or other aerial devices, vehicles and animals (not including domestic pets)
  • Theft or attempted theft from the home
  • Falling radio and TV aerials
  • Subsidence, heave or landslide
  • Damage caused by falling trees or branches
  • Escape of water
  • Leakage of heating fuel 

 

To cover a mobile against accidental damage in the home you will need to select Extra Accidental Damage cover.

If you would also like to be covered away from home you will need to select Personal Belongings cover.

For cover limits, exclusions and further information please see our overview of benefits.

Mobile Phone's can be covered against Accidental Damage whilst in the Home on AvivaPlus under the Accidental Damage cover. This is included as Standard on the Premium Tier and is an option on the Regular Tier. If you would like the item covered away from the Home, this would be covered under the "Accidents and Thefts away from the Home". This cover is included on the Premium Tier as Standard and is optional on the Regular Tier.

Please note both of these covers are not available on the Basic TIer.

What are the benefits of the Legal Services option?

Legal services cover provides expert legal help when you need it most.

We will provide you with a lawyer, if you need one, and legal funding of up to £100,000 to pursue or defend cases in court, including:

  • Property claims such as against noisy neighbours or for boundary disputes
  • Employment disputes such as unfair dismissal or discrimination at work
  • Personal injury including food poisoning and accidental injury which is someone else's fault
  • Consumer disputes such as the purchase of a faulty car or breach of contract by a holiday company
  • Medical negligence by someone responsible for your clinical care such as doctors, dentists or even cosmetic treatment practitioner
The lawyer will discuss your case and will represent you if it's more likely than not you will be successful.

You can add legal cover to your quote in the "Your quote" page.

If you have an existing policy you can add legal cover at renewal using MyAviva. Once logged in follow the below steps:

Use the "Your policies" button > then use the "Details" button on the policy you wish to view > Then choose "Amend my policy" > Under the appropriate cover select legal cover. Legal cover cannot be added mid-term.

If you're a new customer, for cover limits, exclusions and further information please see our Policy Booklet.

If you're an existing customer, for cover limits, exclusions and further information please refer to the documents section of MyAviva on the policy you wish to view.

What is covered under Home Emergency Cover?

Aviva home emergency cover provides you with expert help with emergencies at your property.

Benefits include:

  • Up to £1000 for labour, parts and materials per claim
  • Hotel accommodation costs up to £1000 if your home is uninhabitable
  • No excess to pay
Emergency situations covered include:
  • Loss of essential services
  • Roof damage following a storm
  • Plumbing emergencies
  • Electrical emergency and breakdown
  • Lost keys or damage to locks, doors and windows
  • Pest infestation of rats, mice, wasps or hornets
You can add Home Emergency Cover to your quote in the "Your quote" page.

If you have an existing policy you can add Home Emergency Cover using MyAviva. Once logged in follow the below steps:

Use the "Your policies" button > Then use the "Details" button on the policy you wish to view > Then "Amend my policy" > Under the appropriate cover select "Yes" next to Home Emergency.

If you're a new customer, for cover limits and exclusions please see our Policy Booklet.

If you're an existing customer, for cover limits and exclusions please refer to the documents section of MyAviva on the policy you wish to view.

Does home insurance cover outbuildings?

With buildings cover outbuildings used for domestic purposes are automatically covered up to the total buildings sum insured provided the outbuildings are all at the same address shown on the schedule.

Contents insurance provides cover of up to £2,500 for the contents of your garage or any outbuildings on your property. This cover applies to theft claims only; we pay up to the sum insured for any other types of claims e.g: fire.

Cover limits and exclusions apply so for further information please see our Policy Booklet.

With AvivaPlus your outbuildings and contents in outbuildings are covered as standard under your core cover provided the outbuildings are all at the same address shown on the schedule. With AvivaPlus there is no longer a theft restricition, it will be covered under the contents sum insured on your chosen tier.

Are pedal cycles covered under home insurance?

Pedal cycles are automatically covered as part of your contents cover when they are kept inside your property. Some limits and exclusions apply - please see below for details of where to find these.

If you want to cover your cycles away from home including worldwide cover, you will need to add Pedal Cycle cover to your policy.

New customers
You can cover cycles from £300 to £5,000 online. Visit here for a quote or if you've already received a quote and would like to add this, go here.
If you require extra cover, we can cover cycles up to £5000 over the phone. You can call us on 0800 056 0890.
For the cover limits visit here. See our policy booklet for details of the cover and exclusions.

Existing customers
You can add Pedal Cycle cover to your policy using MyAviva. Once logged in follow the below steps:

  • Select 'Your policies' button at the top
  • Then select 'Details'
  • Choose 'Amend my policy'
  • Under 'Contents cover' and then 'Personal belongings - covered in and away from the home' enter the value of your most expensive bike next to 'Cover for your cycle(s)'.

See your policy schedule for the cover limits and your policy booklet for details of the cover and exclusions.

With AvivaPlus your Pedal Cycles will be covered inside the home as part of your contents cover. Whilst away from the home they will be covered worldwide under your "Accidents and Thefts away from the home" cover. This cover is included as standard on the Premium Tier and is an optional cover on the Regular Tier.

Please note this cover is not available on the Basic Tier.

What is Personal Belongings cover?

Personal Belongings cover is cover for your personal items (e.g. mobile phone, laptop, jewellery, camera equipment) while you are in or away from your home. Any personal item worth more than £2,000 will need to be specified on your policy.

You can add Personal Belongings cover to your quote in the "Your quote" page.

If you're a new customer, for cover limits and exclusions please see our Policy Booklet and for further information please see our Overview of benefits.

If you're an existing customer, for cover limits and exclusions please refer to the documents section of MyAviva on the policy you wish to view.

On AvivaPlus we call this cover "Accidents and Thetfs away from the home". This cover will cover all items defined above with no single article limit. Meaning no items need to be specified on AvivaPlus. This optional cover is included as standard on the Premium Tier and is an optional cover on the Regular Tier. Please note this cover is not available on the Basic Tier.

Will you replace items on a "new for old" basis?

Cover is provided on a new for old basis (except for clothing). We may choose to settle by one of the following methods:

  • Replacing with new items
  • Reinstating (restoring your insured items to the condition they were in before the loss; for example, by professionally cleaning soiled carpets)
  • Repairing
  • Payment, so that you can choose your own replacements

What is the excess on a home insurance claim?

Our standard excess is £200 but you can select different excesses for both buildings and contents insurance, the minimum being £100. You can select these in the "Tailor your policy" section on the "Your quote" page.

If you have a subsidence claim the standard excess is £1,000 (this figure can change depending on the history of your property/area).

If you are an existing customer you can review your excesses in MyAviva. Once logged in follow the below steps:

  • Use the "Your policies" button
  • Then use the "Details" button on the policy you wish to view
  • Then select "Policy excesses"

For AvivaPlus policies If you make an escape of water claim the standard excess is £450 (this figure can change depending on your level of cover and your standard excess).

Tell me about contents insurance valuables cover

We provide £10,000 of cover for valuables in the home as standard. We consider valuables to be items such as:

 

  • Stamp, coin or medal collections
  • Pictures and other works of art
  • Items of gold, silver or any other precious metal
  • Jewellery, watches and furs

 

As standard, we'll pay up to £2,000 for a single item. If you have any individual items which are worth more than £2,000 these will need to be specified.

If you are a new customer you can specify items under the "Personal items" section on the "Your quote" page.

If you have an existing policy you need to specify any items please call us on 0800 904 7259.

With AvivaPlus you have a maximum of £5000 valuables cover on the Basic Tier, £20,000 valuables cover on the Regular Tier and £50,000 Valuables cover on the Premium Tier. Any items over £2000 no longer need to be specified.

What is insured under buildings cover?

Buildings insurance covers the main structure of your home. If your home were to subside, burn, or be damaged by extreme weather, your buildings insurance policy covers the costs of rebuilding or repair. It also covers any permanent fixtures in your home like built-in wardrobes, kitchen surfaces, taps, basins, baths and showers.

Our buildings insurance includes cover for outbuildings, boundary walls, gates, pools, drives and paths as standard.

If we’re repairing your home following a claim and your home is uninhabitable we’ll also cover the cost of suitable temporary alternative accommodation until the repairs are complete and it’s ready to live in again.

For detailed information please see our Overview of benefits.

For a quote visit here.

Are laptops covered in and out of doors by home insurance?

Under contents insurance we will automatically provide cover for loss of or damage to laptops caused by any of these events whilst in the home:

  • Fire, explosion, lightning, earthquake and smoke damage
  • Storm and flood damage
  • Riot, civil commotion, strikes, labour and political disturbances
  • Damage by malicious persons or vandals
  • Collision by aircraft or other aerial devices, vehicles and animals (not including domestic pets)
  • Theft or attempted theft from the home
  • Falling radio and TV aerials
  • Subsidence, heave or landslide
  • Damage caused by falling trees or branches
  • Escape of water
  • Leakage of heating fuel 

To cover a laptop against accidental damage in the home you will need to select Extra Accidental Damage cover.

If you would like to be covered away from home you will need to select Personal Belongings cover.

For cover limits, exclusions and further information please see our overview of benefits.

Is there a limit to the amount of jewellery and watches I can specify?

The maximum total amount for items you can specify online is £25,000 for items outside the house with Personal Belongings cover and £20,000 for personal valuable items specified within the house.

If you wish to specify items which in total will equal more than the amounts above please call us on 0800 056 0890.

With AvivaPlus you have a maximum of £5000 valuables cover on the Basic Tier, £20,000 valuables cover on the Regular Tier and £50,000 Valuables cover on the Premium Tier. Any items over £2,000 no longer need to be specified.

How can I pay?

We accept all major UK debit and credit cards, and there's no charge for paying by card. If you prefer paying monthly, you can set up a Direct Debit. Note that missing monthly payments could mean your insurance is cancelled and your credit score affected, which can make it more difficult for you to gain credit.

What if the details on the policy documents are wrong?

If your details are wrong, you can make most changes to your details and cover online using MyAviva, depending on what product you have.

If you want to make a change that you can't make online or need some help, please call us on:

 

  • Motor: 0800 056 2192
  • Home: 0800 904 7259

 

For information on dealing with incorrect details for Travel insurance or Breakdown cover policy visit here.

What payment methods are available?

You can pay for most of our policies in one lump sum by credit card or debit card.

Some policies offer direct debit or continuous card payments.

Your payment options will be made clear when you complete your quote.

Where can I see my next year's premium?

Your renewal will be generated a month before your renewal date, we will send you a reminder in the post and we may also send you an email or text.

You can use MyAviva to check your renewal details. Once logged in find the policy you want to view and then use the "Renewal" button.

You can then also view all documents related to your policy.

For information on where to see your travel, breakdown or bike renewal visit here.

Can I cancel my policy online/through MyAviva?

Unfortunately, you cannot cancel your policy online right now.

Motor

If you’d like to cancel your motor insurance policy in the middle of its term, you’ll need to fill out our online form.

To cancel your renewal of our motor insurance policy, please use our online form.

Home

If you want to cancel your home policy mid-term, use our online form

To cancel your renewal of our home insurance policy, just fill out our online form.

For policies other than home or motor insurance, find out who you need to speak to on contact us

 

Why can't I find my policy?

Once you've registered for MyAviva, all eligible policies registered in your name should be listed in your account automatically, including those where you are a joint policy holder.

If you can't see a policy, it could be because:

  • You are trying to view a Pension, Bond or Annuity policy. Before you can view any of these online, you'll need to answer additional security questions. Log into your account, choose the policy you want to view, then select "Unlock Access". Once there, fill in the required details to unlock.
  • Your type of policy isn't currently available online. To find a list of all policies not currently available visit here.

If you are still unable to see your policy in MyAviva please give us a call. You'll find the right phone number for your policy on our contact us page.

I haven't received my policy documents.

If you have chosen to receive documents online, they will be available to view and print in MyAviva within 24 hours of being generated.

Once logged in to MyAviva, go to the policy you want to view, then select the "Documents" button. You can then view all your documents.

If you have chosen to receive paper documents, please allow up to ten working days for them to arrive. If your documents do not arrive after ten working days please call us:

  • For Motor insurance please call 0800 056 2192
  • For Home insurance please call 0800 904 7259

For information on documents for travel, breakdown or bike policy visit here.

How do I change payment details?

You can change your direct debit details online quickly and easily using MyAviva

Once logged into MyAviva simply follow the below steps:

  • Choose the policy you want to view
  • Select "Details"
  • Then select "Amend my policy"
  • Then select "Payment details"

Please note you won't be able to change your direct debit details if a payment is being processed or you are approaching renewal.

For payment queries please call us to discuss:

 

  • Motor: 0800 056 2192
  • Home: 0800 904 7259

 

For information on how to change payment details for your travel, breakdown or bike policy visit here.

Can I change my direct debit payments to a later date?

To change the date of your direct debit payments please call us:

  • For Motor insurance: 0800 056 2192
  • For Home insurance: 0800 904 7259

Can I make a claim online?

If you need to make a claim:

 

  • Motor: visit here to find out more and make a claim
  • Alternatively, call us on 0345 030 6925 (lines open 24 hours)
  • Windscreen: To book a windscreen repair or replacement, you can do this online here. Alternatively, you can call our claim specialists on 0345 030 6925. Lines are open 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Home: visit here to find out more and make a claim
  • Alternatively, call us on 0345 030 6945 (lines open 24 hours)
  • Travel: For medical emergencies abroad call us on (+44) 01603 208 044. To make a non-emergency claim call us on 0345 030 6983 (all lines open 24 hours).

 

Do you charge admin fees to make a change?

We do not charge admin fees for making changes to your policy or personal detail in MyAviva for:

  • Motor: Email address, log in details, vehicle details, main driver details, named driver details, adding or removing additional cover
  • Home: Email address, log in details, property details, occupants, limits and cover type, buildings and contents voluntary excess
  • Life: Email address, telephone number, home address

*All other charges specified under your policy or product terms and conditions will still apply.

If your policy was previously Friends Life, then the above information may not apply. For further information please refer to your policy documents or contact us.

You can make changes to your AvivaPlus car or home policies with no admin fees.

How do I pay an overdue premium?

Annual paying customers

You can make a payment for an outstanding premium in MyAviva. Simply log on, select the product you wish to make the payment on and enter your payment details.

Direct debit and continuous card customers

If your direct debit is still active you can make a payment for an outstanding premium in MyAviva. Simply log on, select the product you wish to make the payment on and enter your payment details.

If you need to make a payment and update your direct details, please call us on the numbers below:

  • Motor: 0800 056 2192
  • Home: 0800 904 7259

I haven’t received my cashback.

Any queries related to cashback, please go back to the cashback site you used, and they will be able to help with any queries.

Do I need to have a smoke and heat detector installed in my property?

You don't need any specific fire alarm protection under our standard home insurance policies. This includes our customers with home insurance in Scotland, despite the new legislation around home smoke and heat alarms which came into effect on 1 February 2022. If you did have a fire in your property, your insurance would still cover you, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

However, wherever you live, we strongly encourage you to fit interlinked smoke and heat detectors in your home to protect your family and property in the event of a fire.

How can I contact you if I’m Deaf or a British Sign Language (BSL) user?

If you have an Aviva or AvivaPlus home insurance policy, you can get in touch with us using a qualified BSL interpreter for free as part of our partnership with online video interpreting service SignLive. At the moment, you can only contact us using this service if you need to talk about a claim or have a customer service query and if your policy number starts with letters, such as MMV or MHO. This excludes Aviva Online and Aviva Premium policies. Find out more about how to use the SignLive service.

We’re hoping to extend our SignLive partnership to all our customers and for all queries soon. But in the meantime, if you don’t meet the criteria to use SignLive, there are other ways to contact us, including using one of our online forms or LiveChat. You may also be able to sort your query yourself or do what you need to do by logging in to MyAviva. For all the ways to get in touch with us, see our contact us page.

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