Many home owners buy their buildings insurance through their mortgage provider. This is not a requirement. Your mortgage lender just needs to know you have bought it. Your premium will be decided by the age of the property and number of bedrooms.

One of the main decisions you will need to make when deciding on the level of cover you need is whether you include accidental damage to your policy. The level of cover could begin with an inclusion of damage during any DIY you may carry out.

As hundreds of DIY enthusiasts damage both themselves and their property each year, it may be a good idea to include it! Some insurance companies will include the extra cover free of charge if your property is less than 5 years old.

Your buildings insurance policy could include the following;

The structure of your home;

• Walls – gates – fences – hedges - footpaths, etc.
• Outbuildings such as garages and sheds.
• All permanent fixtures and fittings.
• Theft & Vandalism.
• Subsidence and escape of water.
• Accidental Damage to underground pipes and cables e.g. pipes freezing.
• Accommodation cost if you and your family and pets require it whilst repair of insured event is carried out.

Accidental Damage;
When added to your buildings insurance, it covers accidental damage to your home such as putting your foot through the roof, spilling paint down the side of an external wall or damaging pipes or cables whilst hammering a nail into a wall.

You should check if your policy extends to including outbuildings and garden sheds and green houses.

Most policies cover damage to your home through:

• Earthquake & Fire & Explosions
• Lightning - Storms and Floods
• Falling Trees & Branches
• Theft & Riot & Malicious Persons
• Subsidence & Landslip

Extensions Of Cover;

Most buildings policies have valuable extensions of cover.

Alternative Accommodation – Whilst your home is being repaired.

Underground Pipes and Cables - supplying gas, electricity, oil or water, as well as sewage pipes, are insured against accidental damage. They are not insured against wear and tear.

Glass - In doors, windows and skylights is covered against breakage together with baths, washbasins and WCs.