| Buildings insurance does not
only cover the structure of your building but also permanent internal fixtures
such as fittings in the kitchen or bathroom and interior decoration. Usually any
outbuildings such as sheds or garages are also included in the cover. Check with
your insurance company to see whether other items such as pools, ponds, gates
and boundary walls are also covered by the buildings insurance, as often they
are not included automatically.
You will need to check with your insurer for details because some policies
are more extensive than others. Below is a list of basic areas that are usually
covered by UK buildings insurance policies:
Accidental damage
Fire and smoke
Lightning
Explosion
Theft
Malicious damage caused by intruders or vandals
Damage caused by flooding and storms
Damage caused by water and/or oil from pipes or tanks
Escape of oil from fixed heating installations
Subsidence or landslip
Impact damage by vehicles or animals
Damage caused by falling trees or branches
Extended buildings insurance cover
There are certain things which will not be covered by a basic UK buildings insurance
policy and it may be worth your while looking into extending your cover to protect
further. Of course, all home insurance policies are different and some are far
more comprehensive than others. Still, below is a list of extensive cover that
you can sometimes obtain, depending on the insurer:
- Glass. Glass is not automatically covered by
basic buildings insurance so if you have beautiful French windows or skylights
then this might be a good idea. You will also be covered for ceramics such as
baths, washbasins and toilets
- Liability. If somebody injures themselves or
receives damage to their property then you will be held legally responsible. This
cover will protect you against legal expenses that you could incur.
- Pipes and cables. Underground pipes supplying
gas, electricity, oil or water will be covered by building insurance against accidental
damage but not usual wear and tear.
- Alternative accommodation. If your house is
damaged so badly that it prevents you living in it then this extended buildings
insurance will help you to pay for alternative accommodation until your house
is repaired. Note, however, that it will probably not meet the costs for two weeks
at the Hilton!
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