November 23rd, 2011 
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Home Insurance Quotes
Finding great home insurance quotes from companies like Castle Cover, that cover your property adequately without paying over the odds can seem daunting, yet the internet has made it easier to research what kind of policy you will need and how much you can expect to it to cost. Buildings insurance is a compulsory requirement for homeowners to protect against damage to the structure of a home, and last year’s flooding in Cornwall underlined just how important it is to take precautions against the elements.
Earlier this year, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed that insurance policies helped more than 450,000 people weather the deep freeze in 2010, as customers claimed for cold damage to their homes, vehicles and businesses. In Scotland, which was particularly hard-hit by the weather, homeowners claimed £90 million for property damage, with burst pipes the most common complaint.
“Insurers always respond quickly to the large numbers of claims that often follow from bad weather, and helped thousands of customers get through a very tough December,” said ABI director of general insurance Nick Starling. “The big freeze highlighted that when bad weather strikes there is no substitute for insurance.”
To help insurance customers calculate how much they should be paying for buildings insurance, the ABI has commissioned the Building Cost Information Service to create a calculator and guide. These free online tools can be used to work out how much it would cost to rebuild your home, based on the latest market data and building regulations.
Although contents insurance is optional, the majority of homeowners prefer to take it out to cover any other items that could be damaged by flooding or fire, or are at risk of being stolen by burglars. Insurers will usually set a limit on the amount customers can claim for individual high-risk items, such as laptops and televisions, and belongings outside the home may need to be covered by an extra premium.
Before searching for a home insurance quote, it is a good idea to calculate how much your belongings are worth to avoid over- or under-insuring the contents of a property. This makes sure that you are not paying too much for your insurance, while also giving you the peace of mind that you will receive enough to replace your valuables should they get damaged.
There are a few steps you can take to get a better deal on your home insurance, which will also help to protect you and your family. Smoke detectors, burglar alarms and extra security fittings could mean you qualify for lower premiums, while many providers will offer a discount for getting both buildings and contents insurance with them. Paying a lump sum may also be cheaper in the long run than paying monthly by direct debit.
It is also recommended to check the small print of any policy to avoid surprises – for instance, see whether your cover still stands if you miss a payment, or if you can protect your no claims discount with an extra premium. The best way to find the right policy for you, however, is to provide as much and as accurate information as possible when arranging a quote.
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