What Is Accidental Damage Cover on Home Insurance?
What Is Accidental Damage Cover?
Accidental damage cover on home insurance pays for unexpected damage caused by an accident rather than a specific insured peril like fire or theft. Standard home insurance covers defined events - accidental damage extends that cover to include mishaps that would otherwise leave you paying out of pocket.
What It Typically Covers
Accidental damage cover for buildings might include:
- A DIY drill accidentally going through a water or gas pipe
- Cracking a toilet or basin by dropping something heavy
- Putting a foot through the ceiling from the loft
- Children breaking a window while playing in the garden
Accidental damage cover for contents might include:
- Spilling wine on a sofa or carpet
- Dropping and smashing a television
- Knocking over and breaking an ornament or piece of furniture
- Accidentally damaging a laptop or tablet
What It Does Not Cover
- Damage caused by wear and tear or gradual deterioration
- Wilful or deliberate damage
- Damage caused by pets (unless specified)
- Items that are insured separately (high-value items should be scheduled on the policy)
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown
Buildings vs Contents Accidental Damage
You can often add accidental damage to buildings, contents, or both. Adding it to contents only does not cover damage to the structure of your home, and vice versa. Consider which scenarios are most relevant to your household when deciding.
Is It Worth Adding?
Accidental damage cover typically adds 30 to 80 pounds per year to a combined home insurance premium. If you have young children, pets, or frequently host gatherings, the additional cover is usually worth it. For households with limited valuables or careful occupants, the cost may not be justified. Compare the additional premium versus the risk in your specific household before deciding.
