What is home emergency cover?
Home emergency cover is an additional insurance that helps when something goes wrong at home, like a broken boiler, a burst pipe, or a power cut. It’s an optional add-on to your home insurance that can give you 24/7 support as well as access to tradespeople to help fix urgent problems.
This type of cover protects you against risks that are usually not included in a standard home insurance policy. It helps to keep your home safe when those unexpected problems arise. Before you add it, check what your current insurance already covers.
What's covered by home emergency insurance?
Home emergency cover is there to protect you when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Some policies may also include boiler cover, so be sure to check your policy if this is something you need.
The following events are included as standard:
Break-in or vandalism that compromises the security of the property
Bursting or sudden leakage of water pipes within your property
Removal of pest infestations within your property
Including VAT, call-out charges, labour, parts and materials.
Loss of, or damage to the only available key to your property, or if you’re unable to access your property
What’s not covered?
There are some exclusions to standard home emergency cover, including:
- Any claim involving guttering
- Flat or tarpaulin roofs
- Gas leaks from pipes or appliances
- Blockage of soil or waste pipes from sinks, basins, bidets, baths, or showers
- Breakage of internal glass or doors
What’s not covered?
There are some exclusions to standard home emergency cover, including:
- Any claim involving guttering
- Flat or tarpaulin roofs
- Gas leaks from pipes or appliances
- Blockage of soil or waste pipes from sinks, basins, bidets, baths, or showers
- Breakage of internal glass or doors
Will my home insurance policy cover home emergencies?
Home emergencies aren't usually covered as standard in most home insurance policies. Some insurers offer it as an optional add-on. Always check your policy to see if emergency cover is included or if you need to add it separately.
How do I claim for emergencies?
STEP 1
Assess the damage and contact your provider
After an emergency, like finding mice or a flooded kitchen, check the damage. Then, call your provider's emergency number to file a claim.
STEP 1
Assess the damage and contact your provider
After an emergency, like finding mice or a flooded kitchen, check the damage. Then, call your provider's emergency number to file a claim.
STEP 2
Wait for a tradesperson
Most home insurance providers aim to send a certified tradesperson to you within 24 hours, depending on the damage.
STEP 2
Wait for a tradesperson
Most home insurance providers aim to send a certified tradesperson to you within 24 hours, depending on the damage.
STEP 3
Damage assessment and repairs
Your insurance company may send someone to assess the damage before taking action. Once assessed, a certified tradesperson will carry out the necessary repairs to restore your home to a safe condition.
STEP 3
Damage assessment and repairs
Your insurance company may send someone to assess the damage before taking action. Once assessed, a certified tradesperson will carry out the necessary repairs to restore your home to a safe condition.
Still not sure? Find answers to your questions.
In some cases, insurance providers will offer home emergency cover as part of their standard home insurance. In these cases, you should avoid paying for the policy twice over. Do make sure you check with your provider before adding emergency cover to an existing policy.
It can be a good idea to read the small print of any insurance policy to see exactly what you’re covered against. For example, some policies have limits on the type of cover you can receive for your boiler or heating system.
If you want peace of mind for unexpected issues like a broken boiler, a burst pipe, or pests, home emergency cover could be a good choice. It ensures you get quick help when urgent repairs are needed to keep your home safe and liveable.
Whether a home emergency claim affects your premium depends on your insurer. Some insurers may increase your premium after a claim, while others may not. It’s best to check with your provider.
You could, however, if you do call a local tradesperson, the cost of the call out, labour and VAT will not usually be covered by your insurance provider.
If your claim exceeds the limit, you’ll usually be responsible for covering any amount over that.
Emergency home insurance can offer protection for several incidents. It’ll cover the call out costs of a certified tradesperson, as well as labour and VAT up to a fixed amount.