Do I need accidental damage on home insurance?

Asked by: Colin Trantow I  |  Last update: July 2, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)

Accidental damage cover is not required as a part of a home insurance policy, but it is often advisable to take it out. Accidental damage is defined as sudden and unexpected damage to your property or contents by an outside force.

Is it worth having accidental damage on home insurance?

If you're a little clumsy, or have a habit of spilling things, it might be worth it. You'll have to weigh it up against the added cost on your premiums. Without accidental damage cover, you'll have to pay the cost of repairs or replacements yourself.

What does accidental damage cover on home insurance?

What does Accidental damage cover? Accidental damage can cover the cost of repair to damage that was sudden and not done on purpose. There needs to be a one off, single event that caused the damage to your home or belongings.

Should I get accidental cover?

Generally, if you're doing DIY and you accidentally damage something, you should be covered. But if you're doing work that you're not qualified to do – for example, plumbing or electrical work – then you might not be covered.

What is accidental damage to home?

Accidental damage insurance can cover unforeseen mishaps around the home that can occur in everyday life. It can be included as standard, or may be an optional extra that can be added to home and/or contents insurance. Damaged carpets, furniture, ornaments, TVs and more could be covered under your policy.

Home Insurance made simple - accidental damage for buildings insurance

37 related questions found

What counts as accidental damage?

Defining accidental damage

We'll say it's something that is: unforeseen. unintentional. not only physical damage to an item, but also something that resulted in a loss of function (unable to perform the task it was designed to do)

What is not covered by accidental damage?

Portable electronics and clothes are often excluded from contents insurance accidental damage policies, so check with your insurer. Damage caused by animals, like a pet chewing your furniture, isn't usually covered.

Can I claim for a broken window on my house insurance?

Contents insurance pays out for damage to, or loss of, your personal possessions so will not apply to a broken window. However, buildings insurance covers the structure of the building including windows.

Can I claim broken TV on house insurance?

Homeowners insurance covers personal property loss — including broken or stolen TVs — when it's caused by a covered peril, including fire, lightning, and vandalism. But if your TV falls off your wall or it simply stops working, you likely won't be covered.

Can you claim for a broken washing machine on home insurance?

Like HVAC equipment, appliances are covered under homeowners insurance in certain scenarios. It all depends on what happens to your oven, refrigerator or washing machine. Standard homeowner insurance policies include coverage for appliance repair or replacement if the damage or loss was the result of a covered peril.

Does accidental damage cover screen damage?

Accidental drops, spills, bumps, and structural failures incurred under normal operating conditions or handling, including electrical surges and damage to the integrated LCD screen. If you have on-site warranty coverage, you may qualify for on-site ADP repairs3.

Does homeowners insurance cover paint spilled on carpet?

Homeowners insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental losses and spilling paint on the carpet is a covered loss.

Is it worth claiming for freezer contents?

Consider how much the food in your freezer is worth - it could be more than you think. Some policies will also provide a temporary hire freezer until yours can be repaired or replaced. You will have to pay an excess if you make a claim though, so the pay-out you receive will be reduced by the amount of the excess.

What is accidental damage for sofa?

And when it comes to mishaps happening to your sofas, some of the most common accidents include food and drink stains, or marks caused by children getting artistic with biros and felt tip pens. Rips, tears or scratches in the leather or fabric upholstery would also count as accidental damage.

What is accidental damage protection?

Accidental Damage Protection provides protection (i.e., repair or replacement) against accidental damage to the Customer's covered HP product that occurs during the covered period.

What can you claim on home insurance?

Home contents insurance covers you against loss, theft or damage to your personal and home possessions. It can also cover you if you take items out of the home, on holiday, for example. The insurance covers your own possessions and those of close family members living with you.

Can you claim a new front door on house insurance?

Does home insurance cover front doors? Usually, yes. A front door and its locks are considered part of the overall home, and so should be covered by home insurance.

What happens if someone smashes your window?

Call the police and let them know what happened. There may be cameras in the parking lot that the police can access to see if they can locate a suspect. The authorities will also need to file an incident report, which you'll need when you file your insurance claim for auto glass replacement.

Is glass covered in house insurance?

Residential Glass Insurance

If your window, glass door, or shower glass breaks accidentally, the glass replacement costs might be covered under your Home and Contents Insurance Policy.

Can you sue for accidental damage to property?

If an item causes damage to your property through no fault of your own, you may have a legal right to claim compensation (also known as claiming 'damages').

Is loss of food covered by insurance?

Home insurance companies typically pay up to $500 worth of food lost in a power outage, but only if the cause of the power outage is covered by your policy—for example, if a lightning strike caused a power outage.

Does contents insurance cover food spoilage?

Food spoilage cover is generally included in the contents section of your home and contents insurance policy because that's the part of your cover that protects the items and belongings kept at your home.

Is food included in contents insurance?

Many of us rely on freezers to stock up on things that can be costly to replace, including prime cuts of meat, fish, and convenience foods. This may be specifically covered by your contents insurance – it's across all Admiral Contents Insurance.

Does homeowners cover cracked tile?

Is anyone responsible for the replacement of a broken tile in my home? The answer is often yes: your homeowner's insurance company will help you either repair or replace the tile that is broken or if necessary, pay for the removal and replacement of all the tiles in your home.

Can I claim on insurance for paint damage?

For those on a fully comprehensive car insurance policy, then you can claim for paint damage for the same reasons as third party, fire and theft. But also for any damage sustained in an accident – even if it was your fault.