Fire risk insurance

Fire risk insurance

Fire risk insurance will generally cover damage caused by fire, lightning or explosion. Each home insurance policyhome insurance policy differs, so it is vital to check that your home is fully covered for full compensation in the event of a fire.

There are a number of reasons why your home could be at risk from fire, such as:

• Faulty wiring
• Gas leaks
• Open fireplaces
• Overeager firework displays
• Unattended cooking
• Smoking (most Insurers will now ask if you are a smoker...)

By taking simple steps, you can cut down on the risk of fires in your home and also proof of some of these basic security measures could reduce the cost of your annual premium. These include:

• Fitting a fully working smoke alarm on every level of your home (also testing the batteries in your smoke alarm every week)
• Not overloading electrical sockets (check how many amps a multiple socket or extension lead can take)
• Making sure electrical appliances have a respected European or British safety mark upon purchase
• Checking and replacing any old leads and cables (also properly store/roll them, so as not to damage any internal cabling)
• Making sure electrical appliances such as toasters/heaters are vertically stable and are kept away from flammable materials like curtains, tea towels or kitchen rolls
• Fire guards around open fires
• Never walking away from the kitchen when items are cooking on the exposed hobs (or allowing children in the kitchen during cooking)
• Simple checks before leaving your home/going to bed such as making sure all candles and/or cigarettes are extinguished, fire doors are closed and appliances are unplugged

Property Advice Blog recommends downloading the 'Fire Safety in the Home' leaflet from the UK Fire Service Resources website.

Remember, remember the 5th of November...

Bonfire night specifically sparks more claims than any other time of year, as not only do we play with fire but our homes are left unprotected. When it comes to fire risks, many households hold home displays using firework equipment too advanced for the user and often these mini explosives are lit far too close to the house. A study from insurance giant Aviva also stated that claims related to burglaries increase by 26% and stolen cars by 25% on this day, as thieves know that most people are likely to be away from their homes and the collective din from displays masks the noise of breaking and entering!