
Home insurance glossary
Home insurance terms explained and jargon busterPlease check your policy documents for what is and isn't covered under your policy
A
From dropping a TV when fixing it to the wall, to a leak in the bathroom – we know that these things happen. Our accidental damage cover is there for you when the unexpected should occur. LV= Home Insurance includes accidental damage cover as standard, but you can increase the amount to suit your needs.
Imagine if your home was so badly damaged, perhaps by an escape of water or a fire, that you had to temporarily move out.
Alternative accommodation cover means we pay for you to move into rented lodgings or a hotel while the repairs are going on at your home. If you have family pets, we make sure you can take them too - or pay for their boarding in kennels until you're able to move back home.
B
C
D
Defaqto are a leading UK independent financial research company, specialising in rating, comparing and analysing financial products. Defaqto experts have chosen what they believe to be the most important features of a home insurance policy (including limits and level of cover).
They then score and assign a rating based on a scale of 1 to 5 to each one - so you can see at glance how the policies in the market compare.
A 5 Star Rating is the highest rating you can receive from Defaqto.
E
An excess is the amount that you have to pay towards a claim.
A compulsory excess is an excess applied by your insurer and could vary depending on your circumstances. A voluntary excess is a figure agreed with your insurer, usually where you agree to pay a higher part of each claim in return for a lower premium.
Your excess may be a total of a compulsory and voluntary excess added together. Excesses vary between different types of claim.
You can find out how much your excesses are, depending on what you're claiming for, in your policy schedule.
Exclusions are things that your insurance won't cover, such as a result of wear and tear for example. It's worth reading your document of insurance to see what isn't covered; people are sometimes surprised to find they can't claim on their insurance for some things.
Exclusions vary between insurance products but all exclusions should be clear and specific.
F
Fixtures and fittings are covered by your buildings insurance, even though some fittings may appear to be contents.
Fixtures usually include:
- central-heating boilers, systems and radiators
- light-fittings
- fitted kitchens, built-in wardrobes and bathroom furniture
Fittings usually include:
- curtain rails and poles (lampshades and curtains would come under your contents cover)
- TV aerials and satellite dishes