Home insurance and lockdown – are you covered?

Are you working from home?

The Government has advised people to work from home if they can. So, if you’re now working from home instead of the office, you may be wondering if this is covered under your home insurance policy.

The Financial Conduct Authority expects insurers to take into account any changes in their customers’ circumstances due following government advice or requirements about coronavirus, and make sure that this doesn’t affect their current home contents policies.

This means that your business equipment – eg laptop, printer or even your office chair – should be covered in the same way as the other items in your home during this time. However, if you have high-value equipment or stock in your property that wouldn’t normally be there, it’s worth checking with your insurer directly that this is covered.

Planning on doing some DIY?

Many people will be using the extra time at home to do repairs or renovation work. If you’ve decided to redecorate the spare room or finally put up those shelves, it might be a good idea to have accidental damage cover for those moments when, heaven forbid, you inadvertently hit a nail into a water pipe or knock your TV over!

If you want to add some additional cover to your policy during the COVID-19 crisis, you may find that your insurance provider won’t charge you an administration fee for making this change. Contact them to find out more.

Saga Home Emergency cover can be added to Saga Home Insurance – find out more

Protect the tech you can’t live without

Having access to the tech you need to keep yourself entertained is now more valuable than ever. If you’re in high-risk group you may be spending 24 hours a day at home, so having a mobile phone, tablet or laptop gives you independence and keeps you in touch with friends and family members you can’t see in person.

Your home contents cover is likely to provide a level of protection for technological equipment as standard against fire, theft and more, and you don’t normally need to specify single items worth less than a certain limit, typically between £1,500 and £2,500. Having accidental damage on your policy (see above) means that if you drop and damage an important piece of kit and contact your insurer straight away, you shouldn’t be without it for long. Cover, of course, will vary between providers, so do check your policy to make sure you have the right level of protection for your needs.

Protection for medical equipment

During this period of lockdown, healthcare professionals and carers will carry on making essential home visits to those who need support. Medical equipment kept within the home will usually be covered up to a limit specified in your policy, and carers’ possessions are normally protected against loss and damage while they’re under your roof. However, if in doubt, just check your policy or give your insurer a call.

Relaxing in the garden?

You may well be spending more time in your garden. Perhaps you’ve bought some furniture and equipment, such as a table, chairs and parasol, a barbecue or some new pots, plants and shrubs to brighten your outlook.

Saga Home Insurance offers Extended Garden Cover

Take a look at your home contents policy to see how much your garden items are covered for and whether that’s adequate for your needs, especially at this time of year. Some insurers can extend your cover to higher levels if you ask them – this will cost you a bit more but it’s also reassuring to know that your new outdoor additions will be protected against loss or damage. 

Find out more about Saga Insurance and Covid-19 here