Having your own home is highly beneficial because it's a permanent place to stay. However, a house is an investment, meaning you should protect it as much as possible. After all, property costs go up over time, meaning you can make a significant return if you sell your home after a long time. The best way of protecting your home is getting home and contents insurance.
A home and contents insurance differs from the average home insurance because it covers the contents of your home and land, while the former is just general insurance that protects your house. A home and contents insurance is also costlier than basic home insurance, but it's worth it because it covers more. Despite this, many homeowners still have reservations because they think standard home insurance is more than enough.
If you don't see the value of getting a home and contents insurance, here are some of the things this insurance can protect you from:
#1 - Compensates for Property Damage
While home insurance policies generally cover property damage, this isn't always the case. Insurance companies may only cover certain damages, and some might not cover replacement. If you get a home and contents insurance, however, you can rest assured that your property will be covered for a wide range of damages and losses. This means you can receive compensation for things like carpet or furniture damage.
Additionally, home and contents insurance can cover loss of use, meaning you can claim compensation for your extra expenses if you cannot use your home for a certain time.
#2 - Compensates for Bodily Injury or Fatality
Let's say you're having guests over for a dinner party. Not long into the party, your sofa suddenly gives way, sending your guests crashing to the ground. While you took out insurance for your home, you didn't add the liability coverage because you didn't want to fork out an extra premium. It may seem like a minor accident, but the small one can turn into a major one if the guests suffer bodily injury or even death.
In this case, your home insurance won't cover it. Instead, you'll need to get home and contents insurance to cover that kind of incident. The good thing with home and contents insurance is that, aside from property damage, it also covers injuries and other incidents.
#3 - Compensates for Injuries Caused by Pets
Unless you have a pet-friendly home policy, your home insurance won't cover any injury caused by pets, including dog bites. While dog bites are unlikely to happen in your home, pets tend to get messy, especially cats. If you have a cat that likes to spray in your home, the smell can cause allergies and other respiratory issues. On the other hand, dogs tend to bite people, especially strangers. In both cases, you won't be covered if you don't have home and contents insurance.
#4 - Compensates for Losses Due to Theft
We all have possessions of great value that we like to keep close to us. If you own expensive jewellery or other valuables, keeping them in a safe is best, so you don't have to worry about burglars. While the chances of getting robbed are slim, it's best to be safe than sorry. Home and contents insurance covers all your possessions, including the ones in your safe or vault, if they're stolen.
#5 - Compensates for Natural Calamities
When you buy a home and contents insurance, you're not just paying for protection against human error. You're also paying to protect your home from various natural calamities. This insurance also covers things like falling trees and wind damage.
Let's say a fire or flood occurs. You should be covered if you have home and contents insurance. Many homeowners don't get this because they believe natural calamities are rare. However, preparing for the worst is best because you never know when they might happen.
Conclusion
Home and contents insurance can help protect you from the most common accidents in your home. Whether it's property damage or injuries, standard home insurance won't do. Only with a home and contents insurance policy can you achieve total protection for your home. You may pay more, but it's worth it if you want to protect your most valuable investment.
New Wave Insurance has what you need if you’re looking for home & contents insurance! We offer various options to protect your home, all for affordable prices. Simply go to our website to book a free consultation!