Autumn storms are approaching: check what your home insurance actually covers

There are plenty of home insurance providers to choose from, and price is often the main consideration when selecting a policy. It is easy to assume that different insurers offer similar levels of cover, but their terms, conditions and exclusions can vary considerably. Ahead of the autumn storm season, there are at least three things worth checking in your policy.

1. Do you have all-risks insurance or cover for specified risks only?

Home insurance can cover a defined list of risks specified in the policy, or you can opt for broader all-risks cover. With the first option, compensation is provided for damage caused by the risks listed in the policy. All-risks insurance generally covers damage resulting from sudden and unforeseen events, unless specifically excluded under the policy terms.

"It is important to read the exclusions as well and consider the specific features of your property. If you have a greenhouse, robotic lawnmower, trampoline or shed in your garden, for example, check whether these are insured and under what conditions," Piibor advises.

Flood cover deserves particular attention. Water can enter a home because of flooding or heavy rainfall, for example when rainwater cannot drain away from the street quickly enough. Whether the resulting damage is covered depends on the individual policy and its terms.

"If your home is in an area known to be at risk of flooding, the insurer may assess the risk differently. Depending on the insurer and the specific address, this may affect the excess you have to pay or the extent of flood cover available," Piibor explains.

2. Would your contents insurance cover the cost of replacing everything?

When choosing the sum insured for your household contents, consider how much it would cost to replace everything after a major loss. Beyond furniture and household appliances, computers, phones, sports equipment and cameras can add up to a substantial amount. Replacing kitchen units and appliances alone could cost more than €10,000.

It is also worth calculating the value and replacement cost of items kept outdoors. Check whether items such as your phone or laptop are insured outside the home too, if you want this protection.

3. Check your liability insurance limit

A storm could blow your trampoline into a neighbour's greenhouse or bring down a tree onto their car. In such cases, liability insurance may help cover damage for which you or a member of your household is legally responsible, subject to the policy terms.

Having liability insurance is important, but so is the amount of cover. Storm damage is just one situation where it may be needed. For example, a major water leak originating in your flat could damage several neighbouring properties, with the total cost quickly mounting.

The situation can also be reversed. A leak from a neighbour's flat could damage your home, an object blown from their garden could hit your car, or a tree growing on municipal land could fall onto your property. Who is responsible for the damage depends on the circumstances. If you have insurance covering the relevant risk, it is worth contacting your own insurer first.

Some home insurance policies also provide liability cover in certain situations outside the home or abroad. It is therefore worth checking the scope of cover, the insured amount and any exclusions.

"For example, while on holiday, a child might accidentally knock over an expensive vase while playing in a hotel lobby, or a parent might unintentionally break an item on display in a shop. In situations like these, liability insurance may cover damage caused to a third party, provided the person is legally responsible and the policy offers cover in that country," Piibor explains.

Additional services are worth considering too

Home insurance policies may include home assistance, 24-hour emergency assistance, locksmith services and other benefits. These can be useful when something goes wrong, but when comparing policies, consider which services you actually need and whether they are worth paying a higher premium for.

"Price should not be the only factor when choosing insurance. A policy that costs a few euros less each month may offer more limited protection just when you need it most," Piibor says.