When most people think of home insurance, they focus on the basics—covering the cost of repairs after a fire, theft, or damage to the structure of the home. However, many home insurance policies offer coverage for a variety of unexpected situations that you might not be aware of.
In this article, we’ll explore seven unexpected things often covered by home insurance, helping you get the most out of your policy.
1. Alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire, flooding, or major repairs, your insurance may cover the cost of temporary accommodation. This means your insurer could pay for a hotel or rental property while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
What’s included?
- Hotel stays: Your insurer may cover the cost of staying at a hotel if you need a short-term solution.
- Rental accommodation: If repairs take longer, your policy might pay for a rental property so you can live comfortably while waiting to move back home.
- Pet boarding: Some policies even include the cost of boarding pets if you’re unable to bring them to temporary accommodation.
Tip: Check your policy’s limits on alternative accommodation and ensure it’s enough to cover the cost of living somewhere else for an extended period.
2. Accidental damage to electronics and appliances
Many standard home insurance policies include accidental damage coverage for electronics, appliances, and other household items. This means if you accidentally break your TV, spill water on your laptop, or damage your washing machine, you may be covered for repair or replacement.
Common items covered:
- TVs, computers, and laptops
- Smartphones and tablets
- Kitchen appliances like fridges or ovens
However, some policies might require you to add accidental damage as an extra, so it’s worth double-checking your coverage.
Tip: Ensure accidental damage is included in your policy, especially if you have expensive electronics or appliances at home.
3. Frozen pipes and water damage
While burst pipes are often covered under home insurance, many people don’t realise that damage from frozen pipes may also be included. During cold weather, water can freeze in your pipes, causing them to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage in your home.
What’s covered?
- The cost of repairs to fix burst pipes
- Water damage to walls, ceilings, or flooring
- Replacing furniture or belongings damaged by the water
However, insurers may require that you take reasonable steps to prevent freezing, such as keeping your heating on during winter months.
Tip: Read your policy carefully to understand what’s covered under water damage and check if there are any conditions to meet, like maintaining a minimum temperature in your home.
4. Garden furniture and plants
Did you know your garden furniture, plants, and other outdoor items might be covered under your home insurance? While people tend to focus on the inside of their homes, many policies extend protection to items in your garden or backyard.
What’s covered?
- Garden furniture: Items like outdoor chairs, tables, and barbecues are often included if they’re stolen or damaged by weather or vandals.
- Plants and landscaping: Some policies even cover trees, shrubs, and plants in your garden against damage from theft, fire, or weather-related events.
- Outbuildings: Structures like sheds or greenhouses may also be covered if they’re damaged in a storm or burglary.
Tip: If you have expensive garden furniture or plants, check if your insurance policy covers them and consider adding extra coverage if needed.
5. Student belongings away from home
If you have children who are studying at university and living away from home, their possessions may still be covered under your home insurance policy. This means that if their belongings are stolen or damaged while they’re at university, you could claim for their replacement.
What’s typically covered?
- Laptops, mobile phones, and other electronics
- Personal items such as clothing or sports equipment
- Theft or damage while living in student accommodation
Policies may have limits on the value of items covered away from home, so it’s important to check the specific terms.
Tip: If your child is living away for university, confirm with your insurer that their belongings are protected, and make sure the coverage limit is high enough.
6. Bicycles (even when not at home)
Many home insurance policies cover bicycles, even if they’re stolen or damaged outside of your property. Whether your bike is taken from a public place or damaged in an accident, you may be able to claim for a repair or replacement.
What’s covered?
- Theft or damage to your bicycle when it’s locked in a public space
- Damage caused while transporting your bike, like in a car accident
- Some policies even cover racing or high-value bikes, though you may need to declare them separately
Tip: Make sure your bike is properly secured with an approved lock when left outside, as insurers often require this to approve a claim.
7. Lost or stolen house keys
If your keys are lost or stolen, home insurance can cover the cost of replacing your locks and keys, giving you peace of mind and restoring your home’s security. This is especially helpful if you’ve misplaced your keys in a public place or have concerns about potential theft.
What’s covered?
- Replacement of house locks and keys if lost or stolen
- Emergency locksmith services to help you regain access to your home
- Some policies may also cover replacement keys for garages, outbuildings, or safes
Tip: Check if your policy covers the cost of locksmith services, as this can save you from paying for an emergency locksmith out of pocket.
Final thoughts
Home insurance covers far more than just your building and its contents. From bicycles and house keys to frozen pipes and garden furniture, these unexpected items are often included in standard policies. By understanding the full scope of your coverage, you can be better prepared for the unexpected and get the most value from your policy.
If you’re looking for comprehensive home insurance or want to review your existing policy, start comparing home insurance providers today to ensure you’re fully protected.
