Imagine your boiler breaking down on a cold winter night, or a sudden burst pipe flooding your home. These things aren’t just inconvenient — they’re the kinds of emergencies that demand immediate attention. That’s where home emergency cover (sometimes called ‘home assistance cover’) comes in. It’s a much-needed safety net that ensures you can address these unexpected disasters without delays or out-of-pocket costs.
Read on to find out if this extra layer of protection is right for you.
What is buildings insurance with home emergency cover?
Buildings insurance typically covers the structural elements of your home, like the walls, roof, and fixtures. However, when emergencies like a boiler breakdown or electrical failure occur, time is of the essence. Designed to offer immediate assistance, home emergency cover provides access to professional help, often within hours of an emergency. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a pest infestation, this add-on ensures you’re not left waiting too long for repairs (like you might do with a normal insurance claim).
It’s important to note that home emergency cover addresses the sudden issue itself, such as fixing the broken boiler, but not any resulting damage (like water-damaged carpets). That part would fall under your standard buildings or contents insurance. Be sure to check if this cover is already included in your current policy or if it can be added. Not all policies provide it automatically, and adding it could save you from costly delays when emergencies arise.
Common home emergencies covered
Home emergency cover addresses a range of urgent issues that can impact your property, offering fast, professional repairs when you need them most. Here are some common emergencies that are typically covered:
Burst Pipes: One of the most stressful home emergencies, a burst pipe can cause significant damage. With emergency cover, a plumber will be sent out quickly to fix the problem and prevent further damage.
Blocked Drains: Whether due to debris or a build-up of grease, blocked drains can lead to flooding and nasty odours. This cover ensures a professional can clear the blockage right away.
Pest Infestations: Rats, mice, or wasps can cause damage to your property and pose health risks. Home emergency cover means pest control is dispatched quickly to eliminate the problem.
Boiler Breakdown: Losing heat in the middle of winter is more than just inconvenient, it can be a health risk too! Emergency cover ensures a technician will be sent out to service or repair your boiler swiftly (although regular servicing may be required to maintain coverage).
Roof Damage: Storms can cause significant roof damage, leading to leaks and further structural problems. Emergency cover will arrange for urgent repairs to secure your home.
Important to note: Some emergencies — like electrical failures — might only cover the immediate fix (such as restoring power), while ongoing issues could require separate attention under your standard insurance policy. Also, be aware that you might not be covered for certain emergencies that could have been prevented by regular servicing or maintenance (such as a broken boiler that hasn’t been serviced as it should have been). Always check with your insurer about these types of things when you start your policy.
Cost considerations for home emergency cover
With all you’ve read above, home emergency cover seems like a no-brainer, right? But, like any insurance product, you’ve got to weigh the added costs against the potential benefits. Without coverage, the cost of repairs for issues like a burst pipe or boiler breakdown can run into the thousands. For example, a blocked drain alone can cost several hundred pounds to fix, while major problems, like roof damage, can be far more expensive.
Typically, home emergency cover is added to your buildings insurance for a relatively small increase in premiums. While costs vary depending on the level of cover, the peace of mind it provides could outweigh the expense. Be sure to check your policy’s claim limit, as some insurers cap the amount you can claim for emergency repairs. Also, review the number of call-outs allowed per year to ensure you’re not left paying for additional emergencies out-of-pocket.
When budgeting for home insurance, consider the potential costs of not having this cover. Paying for emergency repairs without insurance can be a major financial strain, making home emergency cover a wise investment for those looking to protect themselves from sudden expenses.
What about alternative accommodation?
In cases of severe home damage, such as a collapsed roof or a fire, you may need to leave your home temporarily while repairs are carried out. This is where alternative accommodation cover becomes invaluable. It ensures that should your property become uninhabitable due to an emergency, your insurer covers the cost of temporary accommodation, such as a rental property or a hotel.
Imagine dealing with roof repairs after a storm while also needing to find a safe place for your family to stay. With home emergency and alternative accommodation cover, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for accommodation or scramble to find somewhere suitable at short notice.
Claim process and limitations
Filing a claim for home emergency cover is typically straightforward, but it’s important to understand the process and the limitations involved. When an emergency occurs, such as a blocked drain or roof damage, the first step is to contact your insurer. They will send out approved contractors to assess and repair the damage quickly. They will either bill directly to your insurer, or you will pay, and your insurer will reimburse you — this very much depends on your policy, so don’t forget to check these details.
Be aware, there are usually claim limits for any policy. For example, there may be a cap on how much your policy will pay for repairs, if any. Additionally, wear and tear or ongoing issues that should have been addressed earlier may not be covered under home emergency cover. Regular servicing, particularly for items like boilers, may be required for claims to be valid.
Understanding your policy’s specific limitations will help you avoid surprises when making a claim and ensure that you’re fully prepared in the event of an emergency.
Choosing the right policy
When selecting buildings insurance with home emergency cover, it’s important to compare policies to find one that offers the best protection for your home. Look for the types of policies that cover a wide range of emergencies, such as pest infestations, boiler breakdowns, and roof damage, with reasonable claim limits.
To make this process easier, check out our building insurance comparison guide, which provides an in-depth look at the key features to consider when choosing a policy. By reviewing different providers, you’ll ensure that your home is fully protected against the unexpected.
Get insured — but get it right!
Home emergency cover, just like any home insurance product, provides vital protection against unexpected crises like burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, or roof damage. By integrating this with your buildings insurance, you ensure that emergency repairs are taken care of without hassle or unexpected costs.
But what if you’re not properly insured to start with? Home emergency cover will get a professional out to help you ASAP in the event of an emergency. BUT (and it’s a big but), if your home requires further repairs or even a complete rebuild, having the right cover in place before the issue arises is critical! Otherwise, your home could be underinsured, like 76% of UK properties, and not be completely covered for the fixes needed.
To make sure you’re fully covered, consider a RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com rebuild cost assessment. It ensures your insurance accurately reflects your coverage needs, protecting you from being underinsured. Get a rebuild cost assessment today to safeguard your home and ensure peace of mind in the face of emergencies.
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