Is it that time of year when you need to get a new home insurance quote? It rarely pays to stay loyal to just one insurance company. And you could save even more money on home insurance if you know the right questions to ask. Read our guide to everything you need to know before asking for a home insurance quote:

How much does home insurance cost?

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average price of home insurance is £297. Costs will vary depending on the:

• type of home you own
• location
• cost to rebuild the property
• value of your contents
• number of previous claims made against your insurance

What’s the difference between buildings insurance and contents insurance?

Buildings insurance means you are financially covered to put right any damage sustained to the building of your home. This damage can be caused by a number of things like fire, storm damage, vandalism, vehicle collision, or flood. You’ll be covered to fix includes things like the walls and roof as well as fixed fittings like bathroom suites and kitchen units. If you have a mortgage, it is normally a requirement of your mortgage agreement that you hold buildings insurance. But be aware that you are not obliged to take out the buildings insurance provided by your mortgage lender.

Contents insurance covers the replacement of other items in your home, from gadgets and sofas to bikes and soft furnishings. Don’t be tempted to skimp on the estimated value of your contents. Sit down and write out the cost to replace everything in your home and you could be very surprised. Accidental damage, where you or a member of the family unwittingly causes the damage yourself, is not normally covered by standard contents insurance policies. But can be added on for extra peace of mind, so ask your broker if you need this level of cover.

Do I need buildings insurance if I live in a flat?

If you are a leaseholder in a flat, it’s likely that the freeholder will have taken out buildings insurance. Check with your management company. You will still be responsible for insuring any contents in your flat.

What about high-value items like diamond rings?

If you have high-value, high-risk items, like jewellery, watches and fine art, you may need to specify these items separately on your home insurance. Check with your insurance company what the single item limit is on your policy to make sure you have the level of cover you need. Also, check if your policy covers these items when you are away from the home, including on holidays abroad.

Will the cheapest home insurance always be the best deal?

Unfortunately, you never really know if your insurance is any good until that stressful time comes when you need to claim. By then, it’s too late to change! You can help to protect yourself by thoroughly checking the small print to make sure that your insurance covers everything you need, or ask your broker, like Easy2Insure, to do this for you. Very cheap policies may exclude cover that you take for granted is included.

If it seems too good a price to be true, it probably is. Whilst saving money is everyone’s priority, remember that some pennies saved now could cost you many hundreds of pounds in the long run. You should always buy the most robust policy you can for real peace of mind.

How can I save money on my home insurance?

• Install extra security measures. The more secure your home is, the lower your insurance premiums will be. Install a burglar alarm, fit high-quality locks and consider other security measures like CCTV. Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also earn you a discount. As well as lowering premiums, these steps can also help to deter thieves, saving you the hassle of making a claim.
• Fit smoke alarms. Smoke alarms not only help save lives, they can help you to save money on your home insurance too. Make sure you have them in your home.
• Don’t claim unless it’s worth it. Building up a no claims discount will save you money on your insurance. Really consider if it’s worth your while to make a claim on your insurance if it’s only for a small amount.
• Combine your buildings and contents cover. Most insurance companies offer better rates when you take out buildings and contents insurance together.
• Adjust your excess. Increasing the excess you pay when you need to make a claim can help lower premiums.
• Pay in one go. Insurers may give you the option to pay monthly, but you’ll often pay heavily for the privilege. If you can pay in one go, you’ll save money.
• Shop around every year to find the best price. It rarely pays to stay loyal to one insurance company. Insurance companies rely on us being too busy to bother to change companies, and there are often heavily discounted bonuses that they’ll offer to get your custom. Smart home insurance shoppers will exploit this every year by shopping around. That way you get the great value, introductory price every year. If you don’t have time to call around several insurance companies, ask an experienced broker like Easy2Insure to do the legwork for you.

What can we offer home insurance quotes for?

At Easy2Insure, our friendly, experienced team can find you the right home insurance whatever type of property you live in. We’ll talk you through the options so you can get the cover you need to suit your budget. We’re independent insurance brokers, so we’re free to shop around the UK’s best insurance companies. And we’re also in a strong position to negotiate extra discounts on your behalf. We’re part of the Park Insurance Group, which has preferred broker status with a large number of insurance companies in the UK. That means we can source low prices on quality cover that simply isn’t available on the high street.

Get a free quote today by filling in our simple online form or call us on 0800 9179522.

The average cost of home insurance is just £297 a year according to the Association of British Insurers. Just £5.71 a week, it’s little more than the cost of two cappuccinos. But this small price can pay out big if your home or its contents are damaged by fire or flood or if you are the victim of burglars.

Burglary is becoming more common. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 650,000 burglaries last year, an increase of 3% from the year before. Extreme weather conditions are also on the rise. We’ve all watch the impact of devastating floods across the UK, and hundreds of thousands of us have relied on our home insurance to come to our financial rescue.

Do I have to have home insurance?

If you have a mortgage, it’s likely that buildings insurance is a compulsory part of your agreement with your lender. This is the part that pays out if your home is structurally damaged in any way. But although the average house contents are worth £25,857 a whopping one in five of us Brits admit that we don’t have insurance.

Why take the risk?

On average, it’s only £34 more to add contents to your buildings insurance. So why do so many of us throw caution to the wind and go without? If you’ve always thought that contents insurance would be too expensive, get a quote now. You may be surprised by how little it costs.

Why do I need home insurance?

Imagine the worst happens, and your home is completely destroyed by fire. Then think about how you will pay to rebuild your home and replace all your contents. That should make it clear enough why taking out home insurance makes sense.

If you don’t think your contents are worth much you should probably think again. Most of us underestimate the cost of replacing all our belongings. Take a few minutes to jot down everything you own. Do this room by room, not forgetting things like your bed, clothes, and tech such as your TV and iPad. Then work out how much it all costs. You may get a shock at just how much it all comes to.

What else can home insurance cover?

Your home insurance can also give you extra reassurance. If you include legal cover, you’re financially protected if anyone makes a claim against you for injury or damage because of an accident in your home or garden. You can also opt for accidental damage cover, that will pay for replacements if you, or a pet, damages any of your contents.

Do I need home insurance if I rent my home?

If you rent your home, your landlord will take out buildings insurance. But you will be responsible for taking out contents insurance. If you don’t, and something happens, you will have to find the money to pay for any replacements yourself.

How to get a great value deal on your home insurance

Here are our top tips on getting the best value deal on your home insurance:

• Buy your buildings and contents insurance together to save money
• Look for home insurance that can be tailored to your specific situation. If you do that, you won’t be paying out for cover on things you won’t need. For example, don’t pay over the odds for a policy that includes cover for bikes in a shed if you don’t have any
• If your contents are worth a lot, you may find that opting for a policy with an unlimited value specified is better for you
• If you have individual high-value items, such as engagement rings or bikes, it can sometimes be cheaper to insure these separately. Speak to your broker for advice
• Tell your insurer if you have invested in additional security measures like CCTV. These could earn you a discount
• Get as many quotes as you can so you can check you’re getting the best price. Comparison websites can be useful, but watch out for limits or exclusions in the small print or you may get a nasty shock if you do need to make a claim.

Let us shop around for the best price on home insurance you can count on

When you call Easy2Insure you’ll speak to insurance experts. Part of the respected Park Insurance group, we have 30 years experience helping our customers to get the best price on home insurance that doesn’t have any nasty surprises in the small print. We’re independent, so we’re not tied to the insurance products offered by just one insurance company. When you ask us for a free quote we’ll call round a large number of insurance companies and use our bargaining power to secure discounts on quality cover for you. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch.

We check it an average of 27 times a day. But what would happen if you reach to your pocket and your phone is not there or is not working? Does the thought of being without your tech bring you out in a cold sweat? Or do you worry about the cost of replacing it? Whether it is stolen, lost or damaged, gadget insurance gives you peace of mind you can quickly reconnect without bill bills. But not all cover for your phone, iPad or other tech is equal. Here’s what no one tells you about gadget insurance:

Shock, horror. You might not have the cover you think you have

There are lots of different insurance products available to protect your essential gadgets. You could be tempted to opt for the cheapest policy, or even go without taking out specialist insurance because you think you’re already covered by home insurance. But watch out for our top 11 common insurance traps and misconceptions that could leave you stranded without your tech.

1) My phone is covered by my home insurance, right?

Err. Maybe not. Check with your broker. Your phone or tablet may be covered against fire or theft, but that is likely to only be if it is in the property that the insurance covers. If you’re out and about or at a friend’s house when you lose or damage your phone, you might not be covered.

2) If I lose or damage my phone, insurance will pay for a new one

Again, not always. Many gadget policies will try to repair your gadget. If that’s not possible, you may get a ‘like for like’ replacement of the same age and condition. If you want a ‘new for old’ replacement you’ll need to check your insurance covers that.

3) I’ll get an instant replacement

If speedy replacement is essential for you, make sure you opt for gadget insurance that promises to get you reconnected with a replacement within 24 hours. Otherwise, you could be left for several weeks waiting for your phone or tablet to be returned to you.

4) Making unlimited claims on your insurance

Some gadget insurance policies stipulate a maximum number of claims you can make in one year. If you’re very unlucky, or just forgetful, you could find yourself unable to claim. Double check if your policy has a limit before you sign on the dotted line.

5) Insurance always covers you for anything that could go wrong

Another misconception is that all gadget insurance covers you for everything that could go wrong. The most basic policies are unlikely to cover you if they consider that you have not taken ‘reasonable’ care. That means you won’t get a thing if you leave your phone behind on a restaurant table or the bus. For full peace of mind, make sure you’re covered for those forgetful moments!

6) The hidden costs of having your phone stolen

if your phone is stolen, you could find yourself faced with a big bill for any unauthorised calls that are made. There is a cap on the amount mobile phone companies can charge you, but you need to report your phone as missing or stolen within 24 hours. Checking you are covered for unauthorised calls gives added reassurance.

7) Are you covered overseas?

Roaming charges may now be the same in Europe as at home, but does your gadget insurance cover you for trips abroad?

8) Beware of high excesses

Opting for a higher excess (the amount you automatically have to pay when you make a claim) may help to make your premium cheaper. But make sure it doesn’t negate the point of making a claim.

9) Hang on to your paperwork

if you make a claim against your gadget insurance you’ll normally need to provide your original receipt as proof of purchase. Make sure you hold on to this, or you may not be able to make your claim.

9) Liquid damage

A survey by Sony found that up to 75% of people admit using their phone on the toilet. And dropping down the loo accounts for nearly half of all claims for water damage to mobiles. But liquid damage is not always included as standard. To make sure you’re covered against that sinking feeling of watching your phone submerge under liquid, speak to your broker.

10) It stops working

Why is it that our electronics always seem to break down the moment they come out of warranty? It’s very annoying, but if you select a policy that covers electrical or mechanical breakdown you can get it put right without big repair bills. It not always standard on cheaper insurance policies, so double check first if you want this peace of mind.

11) Accessories and downloads

Accessories, like your cover or headphones, can also be included in your insurance as an add-on. And don’t forget the hidden costs of re-purchasing expensive downloads if your gadget is lost or stolen. Look for a policy that covers their replacement to avoid a nasty shock.

Cheap gadget insurance you can count on

Once you’ve decided on the level of cover you need, it’s time to look for the best value deal. You’ll need to shop around. You could use a comparison website, but make sure you read the small print very carefully or you could end up without the cover you need. Or get in touch with our experienced team and let them do the ringing around for you. We’re part of the Park Insurance group with over 30 years of experience helping people to find the right insurance at the right price. That means you’ll get a cheap price with no nasty shocks if you do need to make a claim. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 for a free quote or get in touch.

We take household appliances like our washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge for granted. Once considered a luxury for only the very richest families, thankfully they’re now in all our homes making life a whole lot easier every day. Luckily, they also cost a lot less than their predecessors, but they don’t always last as long as you might expect. The Whitegoods Trade Association acknowledges that durability and longevity have been part of the trade-off when it comes to customer demand for slashed prices on household appliances. Since the millennium, the life expectancy of the average washing machine has dropped by three years. This means you can now expect the average machine to need replacing after seven years, with many lasting even less time.

If the thought of surviving without a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or any other household appliance brings you out in a cold sweat, and you’d struggle to find the lump sum of cash to repair or replace it quickly, then home appliance insurance is a must. Follow our top 5 tips for your peace of mind.

1) Choose the right appliance insurance

Household appliance insurance can cover a wide range of items in your home including:

• Tumble dryers
• Washing machines
• Microwaves
• Electric ovens
• Electric hobs
• Fridges
• Freezers
• Dishwashers

You could opt to buy individual cover for one item or take out multiple cover that offers protection for more than one appliance.

As a general rule, household appliance insurance will cover the following costs:

• Mechanical breakdown
• Repair, including parts, labour and call-out charges
• Accidental damage

Insurance will normally cover the cost of repairs to your appliance, but if this is too high it will pay out for the cost of a replacement appliance.

2) Double check the date you bought your household appliance

When you buy a new appliance it normally comes with at least a year’s manufacturers’ warranty. During this time you’ll be covered for any mechanical defect. Once you’ve past this date, check with your normal household insurance to see if these household items are covered for repair or replacement by your policy. In many cases you might be covered if your appliances are damaged by a fire, but you won’t be covered for mechanical breakdown through normal wear and tear or through accidental damage. If your home insurance doesn’t provide enough cover, you’ll need to take out an extended warranty or appliance insurance for peace of mind your household appliances can be fixed or replaced if they break.

3) Read and follow the manufacturers’ guidelines and get appliances installed by professionals

Even if your appliance is within the manufacturer’s warranty, you won’t be covered if it breaks because of something you’ve done. Always read and follow the guidelines on use to make sure you don’t do anything, such as overloading your washing machine, which could invalidate your warranty.

It’s also worth noting that your manufacturer’s warranty could be invalidated if it goes wrong because it’s not been installed properly, so always use a professional for installation.

4) Check the small print

Carefully read your policy document or talk to your broker so you are clear that you have the level of cover that you want. To avoid getting a nasty shock, double check details like if your insurer will replace a broken appliance on a new for old basis, if you’re liable for call out costs if no fault is found, and if the delivery and installation costs of a replacement appliance is included.

5) Compare prices for the best value home appliance insurance

Don’t just take the insurance offered by the manufacturer or the shop where you bought it, as you can often get a much better price by arranging insurance yourself. Shop around or ask an expert broker like Easy2Insure to do this for you. We can save you time and money by getting a number of competitive quotes on appliance insurance from some of the UK’s leading insurance companies. We’re independent, so won’t push you to use a specific company – instead you can be reassured that we’ll simply find you the best price and cover option that we can.

Contact us now on 0800 9179522 or complete our form for a free quote for your washing machine insurance, dishwasher insurance, fridge freezer insurance or any other household appliance insurance.