With Easter weekend just around
the corner, Brits are finally starting to turn their thoughts to spring. The
weather might not be living up to expectations, but but it’s that time of year
when many Brits start thinking about those long-awaited home improvements.
Whether it’s a conservatory or
extension or just putting up the odd shelf, projects big and small come with
the risk of something going wrong. Lots of Brits have a story about a DIY
disaster, and while you can’t always prevent problems arising, it’s important
to know you can fix them if they do.
Making sure you have the right
home insurance is always a must if you’re planning a few changes - and
buildings and contents cover are both essential.
When it comes to home
improvements, though, many buildings policies will not cover this as standard.
Look into your options for accidental damage and similar problems, as you may
be able to opt in to make sure you’re protected.
Contents insurance deals with
everything within the property - furniture, clothes, electrical appliances and
the rest of your possessions. Although it is not compulsory to have this type
of policy, objects covered by contents insurance tend to be far more easily
damaged as a result of smaller accidents during home improvements. Since
collectively they are probably worth quite a large amount, it’s a good idea to calculate
the rough value of what you own and take out a policy that you know will
protect it all.
Beyond your fixtures and
fittings, you may even be able to cover the contents of your garden, from
lawnmowers and tools to trampolines, though this may cost extra.
Many policies will cover
individual items up to a set amount, but you may have the option of naming more
valuable items in your policy. When it comes to your real prized possessions,
it’s worth taking photos, keeping proof of purchase if you have it and even
getting them independently valued before adding them to your policy, so you’re
certain that insurance will be prepared to replace your special items. Some
items have a habit of creeping up in value, too, so it’s worth checking every
now and then to make sure expensive collectables are always safeguarded.
Of course, if you’re planning on
leaving the DIY for a while and jetting off for a last-minute break over the
bank holiday, your contents insurance may also cover some listed items if they
get lost or damaged away from home.
