Have you got your sights set on an interior design project to revamp your property; some home improvements; or just a spot of DIY? If so, then before you get to work you’ll need suitable home insurance in place.
Why is home insurance important for interior design?
According to research by the AA, more than a third of Brits spend time at home on interior design and DIY projects over a typical bank holiday. Unfortunately however, one in 10 is likely to suffer some sort of mishap that could cost more than ?100 to rectify.
In fact, accidental damage is the largest single category of home insurance claim. However, even if your interior design plans just involve changing the decor of your property, home insurance is still an essential to cover these new items against risks such as theft and flooding.
What should you look for from a home insurance policy?
If you already have home insurance, check that you have suitable accidental damage cover for an interior design or DIY project. Most insurers offer accidental damage cover for electrical items but you may need to extend this cover for frequent claims such as shelves collapsing, paint spills and electrics being fused.
Some insurers exclude ‘escape of water’ in their accidental damage cover because plumbing accidents are so common. So check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re covered in case you drill through a pipe or damage a tap and flood a home.
Check for liability cover if anyone is helping you with your project in case they are injured. If you’re planning a major renovation, then inform your insurer beforehand to see how this will affect the buildings aspect of your insurance and if necessary take out cover for professionals to work in your home, or for specialist equipment if you’re carrying out the project yourself.
Pay attention to the policy limits on your contents insurance policy too. Most interior design projects involve new items being brought into a home such as new furniture, lights and furnishings. Make sure you update your contents insurance appropriately and hang on to receipts in case a claim is necessary. Also look at individual item limits – some insurers will not cover items with a value in excess of ?1,500.
Tips to avoid a home insurance claim
Home insurance provides a useful safety net in case things go wrong, but making a claim could still be expensive. Not only will you have to pay the voluntary excess but your premiums may rise due to the loss of a no-claims discount.
So take steps to prepare your home thoroughly before beginning a project to avoid a claim:
- Get advice: Most DIY centres offer leaflets on common projects.
- Carry out checks: Detectors are available to find hidden wires and pipes that run behind walls. Make sure you check and recheck measurements before drilling or sawing.
- Clear a room: Take as many items out of the room as possible before starting on a project – make sure those that are left behind are out of the way or covered with dust sheets to avoid paint spills, etc.
- Play safe: Wear appropriate safety clothing such as a mask and goggles when necessary; and don’t attempt a project that seems too complicated.
- Check your home insurance: Don’t assume you have the right cover for your project - call your home insurance provider and make sure you are protected.
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