Household Insurance Tips

1. Always ensure that the information on your policy is up do date. The value of your household goods may increase with time or you may purchase additional household items.
2. If for example an alarm system is a condition of your burglary/theft cover, ensure that it is in a working condition at all times and armed when there is no one at home.
3. When purchasing valuable household items, keep the receipts. If you need to submit a claim your insurer may need these as proof of purchase
4. The structure of you house may have an influence on the amount of premium you pay. For example a tiled roof is a lower fire risk than a thatch roof.
5. Always report incidences of damages or loss to your insurer even if you will not be claiming for them.
6. Often insurers include additional cover in a policy for assistance in "emergency" situations. If for example you have a blocked drain that is not covered by your standard cover, they may include cover for a call out fee and a certain amount of labour costs when you summon a plumber.
7. Make sure you note all household members, including any rent-paying individuals on your policy
8. It is wise to keep your own inventory of household goods. In the event of a burglary occurring it is not always easy to remember exactly what was where and to determine what was stolen without some form of reference.
9. If you plan on being away from home for extended periods of time, inform your insurance company.
10. Be familiar with the conditions of your cover and the claims procedures at all times.