Buildings and Contents

Transcription

1 Buildings and Contents Policy Booklet

2 Assurant Intermediary Ltd Scheme arranged and managed by Assurant Intermediary Ltd. Registered in England No Registered office Assurant House, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4XT. YOUR HOME INSURANCE POLICY BOOKLET Insurance provider details: Assurant Home Insurance is arranged by Assurant Intermediary Limited, with UK General Insurance Ltd on behalf of Ageas Insurance Limited, Registered in England No Registered Office: Ageas House, Tollgate, Eastleigh, Hampshire, S053 3YA. UK General Insurance Limited and Ageas Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA s register by visiting the FSA s website at or by contacting them on Assurant Intermediary Ltd IMPORTANT CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS For a query or change to Your Policy call To report any claim Copies of this document can be made available on request in alternative media forms as required under the Disability Discrimination Act Policy cancellation details: If You decide that for any reason, this Policy does not meet Your insurance needs then please return it to Assurant (Your Agent) within 14 days of issue. On the condition that, no claims have been made or are pending, We will then refund Your premium in full. If You wish to cancel Your Policy after 14 days You will be entitled to a pro-rata return of premium. The Insurer shall not be bound to accept renewal of any Insurance and may at any time cancel any insurance document by sending 14 days notice to the Insured at their last known address. Provided the premium has been paid in full the Insured shall be entitled to a proportionate rebate of premium in respect of the unexpired period showing on the insurance. 2 Buildings & Contents Policy

3 Welcome to Your Home Insurance Policy Contents Page Guidance and Explanations 4 Definitions 5 Section 1 Buildings 7 Section 2 Contents 14 Section 3 General Conditions 26 Section 4 General Exclusions 28 Section 5 Claims Procedure 29 Section 6 Complaints & Regulatory Information 30 Buildings & Contents Policy 3

4 Home Insurance Guidance and Explanations This Policy is a contract of insurance between You and Us, and is made up of this booklet and Your Schedule. It is based on the statements and information You gave Us or the information that was given on Your behalf when You applied for the insurance. We used that information to assess the cover We would provide for You and to set the premium and Policy conditions We need for that cover. A copy of Your questions and answers is available on request. You must check this information carefully and let Us know immediately if any part of the information You gave Us is wrong or has changed. You should read this Policy and Your Schedule together. Words with specific meanings are defined on Pages 5 and 6 of the Policy. If Your needs change or any of the information on which the contract is based changes, We might need to alter the Schedule. Under the Policy conditions, You must tell Us about any changes. We will update the contract every time We agree to an alteration. We will give You a new Schedule each time We renew the contract or make an alteration. We agree to insure You under the terms and conditions set out in this Policy and the sections shown in the Schedule for loss, damage, injury or liability that happens during the Period of Insurance. Your Schedule tells You which sections of this Policy apply. There are also some general exclusions on page 28 that apply to the entire contract of insurance. You agree to pay the premium and to keep to the conditions of the Policy. Governing Law This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Law of England and Wales unless Your habitual residence is located in Scotland in which case the law of Scotland shall apply. In the event that Your residence is located in the Channel Islands the relevant law governing the Channel Islands shall apply. This policy is a legally binding contract of insurance between you and us. This contract does not give or intend to give rights to anyone else. No one else has the right to enforce any part of this contract. When drawing up this contract, we have relied on the information and statements that you have provided. The insurance relates only to those sections of the policy that are shown on the schedule as being included. 4 Buildings & Contents Policy

5 Definitions Throughout this policy there are words shown in bold type. Wherever we use these words in this policy they will always have the same meanings: Accidental Damage Sudden and unexpected damage, occurring at a specific time and caused by external means. Buildings Used wholly, or partially as private dwelling(s) and including domestic outbuildings, garages, domestic fixed fuel oil tanks, drives, patios and terraces, walls, gates and fences, swimming pools, tennis courts and including fixtures and fittings owned by You, or for which You are legally responsible, all being situated at the address(es) in the United Kingdom. Business Equipment Computers not designed to be portable, printers, scanners and their accessories, office furniture, photocopiers, fax machines and phone equipment in your home, other than equipment belonging to your employer. Business Equipment up to 4,000 in total. Contents Contents are defined as household furniture; fittings; Personal Effects and Possessions including Valuables, Money, cycles, plus TV aerials and masts which are the property of You or members of Your Family permanently residing with You or for which You are legally liable. Contents includes tenant s fixtures and fittings; radio and television aerials, satellite dishes, their fittings and masts which are attached to the home; property in the open but within the grounds of your home up to 1,000 in total; money up to 300 in total; credit cards up to 1,000 in total; mobile telephones up to 250 in total; deeds and registered bonds and other personal documents up to 1,500 in total; valuables up to 20% of the sum insured for contents within the home subject to a limit of 2,000 for any one item unless stated otherwise in the schedule or the Specification(s) attached to the schedule; domestic oil in fixed fuel tanks up to 1,500; and plants in your garden up to 500. Contents does not include motor vehicles (other than domestic garden machinery, mobility scooters or wheelchairs), caravans, trailers, watercraft or their accessories; any living creature; any part of the buildings; mobile telephones insured under another insurance policy; any item used for your trade or profession (other than business equipment); any item insured under any other insurance policy. Credit Cards, charge cards, debit cards, bankers cards and cash dispenser cards in your name and for which you are responsible which are held for business purposes. Domestic Staff Any staff that live in your home and are employed by you or any residents in connection with the ownership or occupation of your home. Endorsement A specific term, condition or variation to the Policy. Excess The first amount of any claim for which You are responsible. Family You, Your domestic partner and other relations that permanently reside with You. Buildings & Contents Policy 5

6 Definitions continued Home The Property shown at the address in the Schedule, fixtures and fittings that You are responsible for, and the Property s garages and outbuildings, all as the same address and all used by You for domestic purposes only. Insured/You/Your The person(s) as specified in the Schedule, or in the event of their death, their legally appointed representative Money Current legal tender, cheques, postal orders, money orders, postage stamps not forming part of a stamp collection, savings stamps, saving certificates, travellers cheques, travel tickets, premium bonds, luncheon vouchers, gift tokens, annual sports or entertainment tickets and phone cards which belong to you and are not used for business purposes. Period of Insurance The period shown in the Schedule for which We agree to grant cover, providing that the full premium has been paid to Us. Personal Belongings Luggage, clothing, furs, mobile telephones, spectacles, musical instruments, sports equipment, pedal cycles, guns, money, credit cards, keys and any other item which is specifically designed to be carried or worn about the person. Policy The Policy incorporates the Policy booklet, the Schedule and all terms, conditions and Endorsements of Your insurance contract with Us. Schedule The document which provides specific details of the insurance cover in force. Sum Insured The amount as shown in the Schedule and being the maximum amount We will pay in the event of any claim on this Policy. Uninsurable Risks Wear and tear, depreciation, fungus, rot, vermin or insect damage, mechanical or electrical fault, process of cleaning, repairing, restoration, renovating or any gradually operating cause or process. United Kingdom Great Britain, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. Unoccupied The Property is deemed to be Unoccupied when it is not lived in by You. Unoccupancy is deemed to start from the date that You last vacated the Property, which may pre-date the inception of the insurance granted by this Policy. Unfurnished Without sufficient furniture and furnishings for normal living purposes. We/Us/Our UK General Insurance Limited on behalf of Ageas Insurance. Premium The monthly amount you pay for your cover under the policy. 6 Buildings & Contents Policy

7 Section 1 Buildings Cover Your schedule will show whether this section applies. The sum insured for buildings is shown on your schedule. What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 1. Fire, smoke, explosion, lightning and earthquake. Loss or damage caused by smog, industrial or agricultural output. 2. Storm or Flood. Loss or damage caused by frost. Loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks in the open, drives, patios and terraces, hedges, gates and fences, swimming pools, tennis courts. Loss or damage caused by rising water table levels. 3. Subsidence, heave or landslip of the site upon which the Building stands. Loss or damage caused by erosion of any coast or riverbank. Loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks, swimming pools, tennis courts, drives, patios and terraces, walls, gates and fences, unless the main Building is damaged at the same time. Loss or damage caused by structural repairs, alterations, demolitions or extensions. Loss or damage arising from faulty or defective workmanship, designs or materials. Normal settlement, shrinkage or expansion. The first 1,000 of every claim, unless otherwise specified in the Schedule. Loss or damage that originated prior to the start of this Policy. Loss or damage caused by the movement of solid floors, unless the foundations beneath the floor are damaged at the same time and by the same cause. Loss or damage to Buildings caused by the action of chemicals, or by the reaction of chemicals with any material which forms part of the Buildings. Buildings & Contents Policy 7

8 Section 1 Buildings Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 4. Escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating installation, apparatus and pipes including from and frost damage to washing machines and dishwashers. Loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Loss or damage to the apparatus and/or pipes from which water and/or oil has escaped. Loss or damage caused by gradual emission. The first 250 of every claim, unless otherwise specified in the Schedule. 5. Theft or attempted theft. Loss or damage occurring after your home has been left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. Loss or damage caused by anyone who is lawfully in or within the grounds of your home. Loss or damage whilst the buildings or any part of them are lent, let, sub-let or occupied by anyone other than you or any residents except where force and violence has been used to gain entry or exit. 6. Collision or impact by any vehicle or animal. 7. Collision by aircraft and other flying devices or items dropped from them. Falling trees, branches, telegraph poles or lamp posts. 8. Breakage or collapse of fixed radio and television aerials, fixed satellite dishes and their fittings and masts. Loss or damage to fences, hedges and gates. Loss or damage caused by insects, vermin, birds or your pets. Loss or damage to fences, hedges and gates. Loss or damage caused by felling or lopping of trees or branches. The cost of removal of trees, branches, telegraph poles or lamp posts unless the buildings have been damaged at the same time by the fall. Loss or damage to the radio and television aerials, fixed satellite dishes, their fittings and masts themselves. 8 Buildings & Contents Policy

9 Section 1 Buildings Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 9. Malicious damage or vandalism. Loss or damage occurring after your home has been left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. Loss or damage caused by anyone lawfully in or within the grounds of your home. Loss or damage caused while the buildings are undergoing any structural repairs, alterations or extensions. 10. Cost of alternative accommodation incurred by You as a result of the Buildings becoming uninhabitable following loss or damage caused by any of the perils listed in the Buildings Section of this Policy. 11. Accidental Damage to fixed glass, sanitary fixtures and ceramic hobs forming part of the Property. 12. Accidental Damage to underground pipes, tanks, cables and services for which You are responsible. 13. Replacement of Locks and Keys We will provide cover for replacement locks and keys if Your keys are lost or stolen or locks are damaged by a cause included in this section. Any amount in excess of 20% of the Sum Insured on the Buildings damaged, (maximum limit 100,000). Losses incurred in any period exceeding 12 months from the date that the Property became uninhabitable, unless shown otherwise in the Schedule. Loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Loss or damage caused by chipping, denting or scratching. Loss or damage due to wear and tear or gradual deterioration. Loss or damage caused by faulty materials, design, workmanship or as a consequence of any alterations, renovations or repairs. Any amount in excess of 1,000. Buildings & Contents Policy 9

10 Section 1 Buildings Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 14. Increased metered water charges incurred by You, which result from the escape of water, for which a successful claim has been made under the Buildings Section, Escape of Water of this Policy. Any amount in excess of 5,000 in any Period of Insurance. 15. Emergency Access We will provide cover for damage to the Home caused by forced access by the fire, police or ambulance services as a result of an emergency. 16. Trace and Access Expenses incurred by You in locating the source and subsequent making good of damage, following loss or damage for which a successful claim has been made under the Buildings Section, Escape of Water of this Policy. Any amount in excess of 5,000. Loss or damage to the apparatus from which water or oil has escaped. 17. Purchaser s Interest If You have contracted to sell the Buildings and the purchaser has not insured the Property before completion, the purchaser will have the contractual right to benefit of Section 1 of this Policy between exchange of contracts (or missives in Scotland) and completion of the sale provided the purchaser completes the purchase. 10 Buildings & Contents Policy

11 Section 1 Buildings Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 18. Legal liability to the public, subject to a limit of indemnity of 2,000,000 in respect of all sums for which You are legally liable, as the owner of the Buildings, to pay as compensation for accidental death or injury to any person, or loss or damage to third party property, including defence costs and expenses incurred with our prior consent. Bodily injury or death to any person who is engaged in Your service, or is a member of Your Family or household. Any claim arising directly or indirectly from the transmission of any communicable disease. Damage to property under Your custody or control. Any claim arising out of any profession, occupation or business, other than through private letting of the Property. Any claim arising out of the ownership, possession or operation of: i) any mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a private garden vehicle) operated within Your Property. ii) any power operated lift. iii) any aircraft or watercraft. iv) a caravan, whilst being towed. v) any dogs designated as dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act Any claim arising out of pollution or contamination. Any claim where You are entitled to indemnity under any other insurance. Any cost or expense not agreed by Us in writing. Buildings & Contents Policy 11

12 Section 1 Buildings Optional Accidental Damage Cover This section is only applicable if Your schedule includes this addition to your buildings section of cover. What is covered: Loss or damage to your buildings caused by any of the following events: 1. Accidental Damage to the Buildings. Loss or damage caused by Uninsurable Risks. Loss or damage caused by vermin; fungus; insects or domestic pets. Loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. The cost of normal maintenance. Loss or damage caused by wet or dry rot; faulty workmanship or design. Loss or damage as a result of any Building alterations, renovations or repairs. Loss or damage specifically excluded from cover under Section 1 or General Exclusions of this Policy. 12 Buildings & Contents Policy

13 Section 1 General Conditions under the Buildings Section Index-linking Clause If You have provided Us with the Sums Insured in Section 1, these may be adjusted each month in accordance with The House Rebuilding Costs Index, issued by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. No additional premium will be charged for each monthly increase, but at each renewal the premium will be calculated on the revised Sums Insured and will be shown on the renewal Schedule. Section 1 Buildings Basis of Claims Settlement In the event of loss or damage to the Buildings, We will pay the full cost of reinstatement, as long as the Buildings are maintained in a good state of repair and they are insured for the full cost of reinstatement. If the Buildings have not been maintained in a good state of repair, We will make a deduction for wear and tear or gradual deterioration. In respect of any claim made under this Policy, Our liability will: 1) Not exceed the proportion that the Sum(s) Insured bears to the full cost of reconstruction of the Property, as shown in the Schedule. 2) Not exceed the Sum Insured for the Property, as shown in the Schedule. It is Your responsibility to ensure that, at all times the Buildings Sum Insured reflects the total cost of reinstatement and associated fees. We will not pay for the cost of replacing or repairing any undamaged part(s) of the Building which forms part of a pair, set, suite or part of a common design. We will not reduce the Sum Insured under this section following a claim, provided that You agree to carry out any recommendations which We make to prevent further loss or damage. Buildings & Contents Policy 13

14 Section 2 Contents Cover Your schedule will show whether this section applies. The sum insured for contents is shown on your schedule. The most you can claim for any individual item is 2,000 unless the item is specified on your schedule. We may require a receipt, original valuation or proof of purchase for any item that exceeds 750 in value in the event of a claim. What is covered: Loss or damage to your contents caused by any of the following events: 1. Fire, smoke, explosion, lightning and earthquake. (see also Section 4) Loss or damage caused by smog, industrial agricultural output. 2. Storm, Flood, hail or weight of snow. Contents in the open. Loss or damage caused by frost. Loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks in the open, drives, patios and terraces, gates and fences, swimming pools, tennis courts. Loss or damage caused by rising water table levels. 3. Escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating installation, apparatus and pipes. Including 5,000 of additional metered water charges incurred by You. Loss or damage whilst Your Home is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Loss or damage to the apparatus and/or pipes from which water and/or oil has escaped. Loss or damage caused by gradual emission. The first 250 of every claim, unless otherwise specified in the Schedule. Loss or damage to the appliance from which the oil escapes. 14 Buildings & Contents Policy

15 Section 2 Contents Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your contents caused by any of the following events: 4. Theft or attempted theft caused by violent and forcible entry or exit. 5. Collision or impact by any animal, vehicle, aircraft or aerial devices and including items dropped from them. 6. Falling trees, telegraph poles, lamp-posts, fixed aerials, dishes and masts. Theft or attempted theft by any person lawfully on the Property. Loss or damage whilst the Your Home is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Any amount in excess of 2,000 in respect of Contents contained within locked detached domestic outbuildings and garages. Any amount in excess of 500 in respect of Contents contained within unlocked detached domestic outbuildings and garages. Any amount in excess of 500 in respect of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees and any growing matter not in pots or containers. Loss or damage whilst the buildings or any part of them are lent, let, sub let or occupied by anyone other than you or any residents except where force and violence are used to gain entry or exit. Loss or damage caused by insects, vermin, birds or your pets. Loss or damage caused by maintenance to trees. Loss or damage to gates and fences. Loss or damage to aerials, dishes and masts. 7. Riot, violent disorder, civil commotion, labour and political disturbances or strikes. 8. Malicious damage or vandalism. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. Loss or damage whilst Your Home is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Malicious damage or vandalism by any person lawfully on the Property. Buildings & Contents Policy 15

16 Section 2 Contents Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your contents caused by any of the following events: 9. Subsidence, landslip or heave of the site upon which the Buildings stand. 10. Loss or damage to your contents anywhere in the United Kingdom whilst temporarily removed from your home caused by: (a) Theft or attempted theft from a private dwelling where you are working, any occupied private home where you are temporarily living or any bank or safe deposit. Loss or damage caused by erosion of any coast or riverbank. Loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks, swimming pools, tennis courts, drives, patios and terraces, walls, gates and fences, unless the main Building is damaged at the same time. Loss or damage caused by structural repairs, alterations, demolitions or extensions. Loss or damage arising from faulty or defective workmanship, designs or materials. Normal settlement, shrinkage or expansion. The first 1,000 of every claim, unless otherwise specified in the Schedule. Loss or damage that originated prior to the start of this Policy. Loss or damage caused by the movement of solid floors, unless the foundations beneath the floor are damaged at the same time and by the same cause. Loss or damage to Contents caused by the action of chemicals or by the reaction of chemicals with any material which forms part of the Buildings. Any amount more than 10% of the sum insured. Contents insured under another insurance policy. Contents removed for sale or exhibition or to furniture depositories. Contents removed because of the sale or letting of your home. Contents during removal. Valuables. Money or credit cards. Pedal cycles. Contents removed for more than 30 consecutive days. 16 Buildings & Contents Policy

17 Section 2 Contents Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your contents caused by any of the following events: 11. Students Contents Loss or damage to your contents anywhere in the United Kingdom removed by a resident who is studying away from home caused by: Theft or attempted theft from temporary accommodation whilst studying. 12. Replacement of Locks and Keys We will provide cover for replacement locks and keys if Your keys are lost or stolen or locks are damaged by a cause included in this Section. 13. Deep Freezer Contents We will pay up to the 1,000 for food in a domestic deep freezer in the Home made unfit for human consumption by a change in temperature within the freezer cabinet or contamination by refrigerant or refrigerant fumes. 14. Accidental Damage to mirrors, fixed glass, glass topped furniture and ceramic hobs. Any sum insured in excess of 4,000. Contents insured under another insurance policy. Contents during removal. Valuables. Money or credit cards. Pedal cycles. Any portable computers or gaming consoles. Loss or damage unless the loss or damage is caused by a violent and forcible entry. Any amount in excess of 1,000. Loss or damage from fridges/freezers over 10 years from new. Loss or damage caused by a deliberate act of any public electricity supply authority. Loss or damage caused by your wilful act of negligence or the continued use of faulty apparatus. Loss or damage occurring after your home has been left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. Loss of food insured under another insurance policy. Loss or damage whilst Your Home is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Loss or damage caused by chipping, denting or scratching. 15. Visitors Personal Effects We will pay up to 500 for visitors Personal Effects whilst in Your Home unless otherwise insured. Buildings & Contents Policy 17

18 Section 2 Contents Cover continued What is covered: Loss or damage to your contents caused by any of the following events: 16. Weddings, Birthdays and Religious Festivals The Sum Insured shown in the Schedule for Contents in the Home will be automatically increased by 10%, subject to a maximum of 3,000 during the month of any religious festival or celebration for 30 days before and after Your wedding day: and for 7 days after Your birthday to cover wedding, birthday, Christmas or other gift. 17. Costs of alternative accommodation incurred by You, as a result of Your Home becoming uninhabitable following loss or damage caused by any of the perils listed in the Building Section of this Policy including rent you are responsible for paying. 18. Accidental damage to televisions, satellite decoders, audio and video equipment, DVD players, radios, home computers, laptops and business equipment which belong to you and are situated in your home. 19. Your legal liability as a tenant for loss or damage to your landlord s fixtures and fittings caused by an event insured under the buildings aspect of this policy. Any amount in excess of 20% of the Contents Sum Insured. Any expense after your home is restored to its normal condition. Damage or deterioration caused in the process of cleaning, repair, renovation or dismantling. Damage to tapes, records, cassettes, discs or computer software. Mechanical or electrical faults or breakdown. Loss or damage occurring after your home has been left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. Any amount more than 10% of the contents sum insured. Loss or damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip. Loss or damage caused by riot, violent disorder, civil commotion, labour and political disturbances or strikes. Loss or damage caused by malicious damage or vandalism. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. 18 Buildings & Contents Policy

19 Section 2 Liability Insurance included with Contents Cover This section applies if your schedule shows you have elected to take contents cover. The sum insured for liability under the contents section is 2,000,000 for any claim or series of claims from one incident plus any costs and expenses we have agreed in writing. What is covered: 20. Legal liability to the public, subject to a limit of indemnity of 2,000,000 (unless shown otherwise on the Schedule) in respect of all sums for which You are legally liable, as the owner of the Contents, to pay as compensation for accidental death or injury to any person, or loss or damage to third party property, including defence costs and expenses incurred with our prior consent. Bodily injury or death to any person who is engaged in Your service, or is a member of Your Family or household. Any claim arising directly or indirectly from the transmission of any communicable disease. Damage to property under Your custody or control. Any claim arising out of any profession, occupation or business, other than through private letting of the Property. Any claim arising out of the ownership, possession or operation of: i) any mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a private garden vehicle) operated within Your Property. ii) any power operated lift. iii) any aircraft or watercraft. iv) a caravan, whilst being towed. v) any dogs designated as dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act Any claim arising out of pollution or contamination. Any claim where You are entitled to indemnity under any other insurance. Any cost or expense not agreed by Us in writing. Buildings & Contents Policy 19

20 Section 2 Liability Insurance included with Contents Cover continued What is covered: 21. Tenant s Liability (applicable if the Buildings are rented) Any amount which You become legally liable to pay as a tenant and not as an owner of the Buildings up to 20% of the Contents limit shown in the Schedule in respect of: Damage to the Buildings by any of the Perils listed under the Buildings Section of this Policy. 22. Accidents to Domestic Employees We will pay for damages and claimants costs and expenses which You or a member of Your Family become legally liable to pay as compensation for accidental death of or bodily injury to or illness or disease of any domestic employee up to 5,000,000 in connection with any one claim or series of claims made against You or Your Family arising out of any one event occurring during the Period of Insurance and arising out of and in the course of employment within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel islands. We will also pay legal costs and expenses incurred with Our written consent in the defence of any claim made against You or Your Family. Liability arising directly or indirectly from the transmission of any communicable disease or virus by You or any member of Your Family. Any agreement unless You would have been liable had the agreement not been made. Any claim or other proceedings against You or Your Family lodged or prosecuted in a court outside the United Kingdom. Liability arising from any business or profession. Liability for death of, bodily injury to, or illness or disease of any member of Your Family. Liability for which compulsory insurance or security is required by any road traffic legislation. 20 Buildings & Contents Policy

21 Section 2 Contents Optional Accidental Damage Cover Your schedule will show whether this addition to your contents cover applies. The most you can claim for any individual item is 2,000 unless the item is specified on your schedule. We may require a receipt, original valuation or proof of purchase for any item that exceeds 750 in value in the event of a claim. What is covered: 1. Accidental Damage Cover: We will pay for Accidental Damage to your contents whilst in the home in addition to those perils covered under paragraph 14 of Section 2 of this Policy Booklet. Loss or damage specifically excluded from cover under Section 2 Contents or General Exclusions of this Policy. Loss or damage caused by normal wear and tear. Loss or damage caused by vermin, insects, fungus or atmospheric or climatic conditions. Loss or damage caused by cleaning or making repairs or alterations. Loss or damage caused by pets. Loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. Loss or damage as a result of mechanical or electrical breakdown. Loss or damage or any proportion of damage which we specifically exclude elsewhere under the contents section. Loss or damage whilst your home is unfurnished. Loss or damage if the buildings are lent, let or sub let in whole or in part. Loss or damage to contents within garages and outbuildings. Money, credit cards, documents or stamps. Loss or damage to contact, corneal or micro corneal lenses or hearing aids. Damage to sports equipment whilst in use. Damage to pedal cycles. Damage or deterioration of any article caused by dyeing, cleaning, repair, renovation or whilst being worked upon. Loss or damage caused by chewing, tearing, scratching or fouling by your pets. Loss or damage arising out of faulty design, workmanship or materials. Damage from mechanical or electrical faults or breakdown. Damage caused by dampness, extremes of temperature and exposure to light. Buildings & Contents Policy 21

22 Section 2 Optional Personal Belongings Cover Your schedule will show whether this addition to your contents cover applies and how much you have chosen to insure your personal belongings for. The most you can claim for any valuables is 2,000 unless the item is specified on your schedule. We may require a receipt, original valuation or proof of purchase for any valuables in the event of a claim. We may require a receipt, original valuation or proof of purchase for any item that exceeds 750 in value in the event of a claim. This section applies for items lost or damaged in your home or anywhere in the United Kingdom. You are also covered during travel elsewhere in the world up to a maximum of 60 days during any period of insurance. What is covered: 1. Worldwide Personal Belongings Cover. We will cover Your Personal Belongings anywhere in the world for loss or accidental damage. Loss or damage to musical instruments whilst in transit unless they are placed in a suitable protective container. Breakage of strings, reeds or drum heads or leads. Any loss or damage caused by cleaning, repairing or atmospheric conditions to the instrument. Loss or damage whilst in transit unless placed in a purpose built protective container. Any item used for your trade or profession as a musician. Documents or securities. Household goods, foodstuffs and domestic appliances. Property more specifically insured. Sports equipment whilst in use. Activity sports equipment (including skis, sticks and bindings), snowboards, water skis, sub-aqua water sports equipment, camping equipment, riding tack, windsurfers and equipment used for pot-holing and mountaineering Theft from unattended road vehicles unless from a locked luggage boot, concealed luggage compartment, or glove compartment following forcible and violent entry to a securely locked vehicle. Tools or instruments used or held for business or professional purposes. Any damage or deterioration of any article caused by dyeing, cleaning, repair or renovation. 22 Buildings & Contents Policy

23 Section 2 Personal Belongings Cover continued What is covered: 2. Loss or damage to mobile telephones. More than 250 for any one item. Mobile telephones insured under another insurance policy. 3. Loss or damage to spectacles and hearing aids. 4. Accidental loss or damage to Pedal owned by You or Your Family up to 500 per cycle (unless specified on Your Schedule). More than 500 for any one item. Contact, corneal or micro corneal lenses. Loss or damage listed under other exclusions. Theft while away from the Home unless in a building or securely locked to an immovable object, or kept in a locked building at the time of the theft. Loss of or damage to accessories unless caused by an accident to the Pedal Cycle or unless the Pedal Cycle is stolen or destroyed by fire at the same time. Loss or damage to tyres, lamps or accessories unless the pedal cycle is stolen or damaged at the same time. Damage from electrical or mechanical faults or breakdown. Loss or damage while the cycle is used for racing or pace making or is let out on hire or is used other than for private purposes. Theft by fraudulent means. Theft where the pedal cycle was left in a public place overnight. Any item used for your trade or profession. 5. Loss or damage to Guns. Loss or damage to guns caused by rusting or bursting of barrels. Buildings & Contents Policy 23

24 Section 2 Personal Belongings Cover continued What is covered: 6. Personal Money and Credit Cards. Loss of personal Money belonging to You or Your Family up to 300 any one loss. Your liability under the terms of the personal Credit Cards including cheque, debit, charge or cash cards, issued in the British Isles to You or Your Family, up to a maximum of 1,000 any one loss. 7. Loss or damage to other items of personal use that belong to you and that you normally carry with you. Any loss unless the terms and conditions under which the card is issued have been fulfilled. Losses not reported to the Police within 24 hours of discovery of loss. Any loss as a result of unauthorised use by a member of Your Family or a person residing with You. Loss caused by accounting errors or omissions. Depreciation in value. Theft insured under another insurance policy. Theft or disappearance of valuables from baggage unless such baggage is carried by hand and under your personal supervision. Any amount over 2,000 for valuables in respect of theft from hotel or motel rooms during your absence from such rooms. 24 Buildings & Contents Policy

25 Section 2 General Conditions under the Contents Section Index-linking Clause The Sums Insured in Section 2 may be adjusted each month in accordance with the Consumer Durable section of the General Index of Retail Prices, or its equivalent. No additional premium will be charged for each monthly increase, but at each renewal the premium will be calculated on the revised Sums Insured, which will be shown on the renewal Schedule. Section 2 Contents Basis of Claims Settlement In the event of loss or damage to Your Contents Personal Possessions, We will replace the damaged Contents as new, provided that the Sum Insured is at least equal to the cost of replacing all the Contents. At Our option, We may either pay the cost of replacing the lost or damaged item as new, or pay the cost of repairing the item. In respect of any claim made under this Policy, Our liability will: 1) Not exceed the proportion that the Sum(s) Insured bears to the full cost of replacement of Your Contents, as shown in the Schedule. 2) Not exceed the Sum Insured for Your Contents, as shown in the Schedule. It is Your responsibility to ensure that, at all times the Contents Sum Insured reflects the total cost of replacement as new. We will not pay for the cost of replacing or repairing any undamaged item(s) of Your Contents which forms part of a pair, set, suite or part of a common design. We will not reduce the Sum Insured under this section following a claim, provided that You agree to carry out any recommendations which We make to prevent further loss or damage. Buildings & Contents Policy 25

26 Section 3 General Conditions Disclosure of Material Facts This contract is based on the information You provided when this Policy was arranged and agreed to a declaration that the information is true and correct as far as You know. This insurance shall be deemed as voidable in the event of any non-disclosure, misrepresentation or mis-description of any material fact which would have influenced Our decision in accepting the Policy. Duty of Care You must take actions to prevent loss or damage to Your property and ensure that Your Property is maintained in a good state of repair. All protections installed for the protection of the Building must be regularly maintained and be in use when the Building is left unattended, or when any occupants have retired for the night. Changes in Circumstances You must notify Us of any change in Your circumstances and in particular the use of Your Property. Unoccupancy 1. If the Buildings as specified in the Schedule will be left unattended for 14 days or more, You must immediately ensure that the gas and water system is turned off and drained at the mains, or any heating system in place must be set to maintain a continuous minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius. 2. You must notify Us if the Buildings as specified in the Schedule are to be become Unoccupied for more than 30 days in any single period. Notice of Building Works You must notify Us prior to the start of any conversions and extensions to any Buildings specified in the Schedule. Cancellation You should read this Policy booklet and Your Schedule together. Please check them carefully to make sure You have been given the cover You wanted. You have 14 days from the date of purchase to cancel Your Policy. This is known as a cooling-off period. If You cancel Your Policy during this period of time, provided You have not made a claim, We will refund Your full premium. In order to cancel Your Policy, please contact the agent that sold You the Policy; Cancelling your Insurance You may cancel this policy at the end of any month by writing to Assurant. We may cancel this policy by sending you 30 days notice to your correspondence address shown in the schedule. As the premium for this policy is paid monthly, we will not return any premium you have paid. If any month s premium is not paid for any reason, you will receive a letter from us asking for payment so that the insurance can continue. If we do not receive payment within 30 days from when it was due, the insurance will stop from the end of the last month for which premium was received. Contracts (Rights of Third Parties Act) No person, company or entity who is not party to this Policy shall have any rights to enforce any terms or conditions of this Policy. This shall not affect the right or remedy of the third party that exists, or is available apart from this act. Other Insurance If You have any other insurance which covers the same loss, damage or liability, We will only pay Our share of any claim. 26 Buildings & Contents Policy

27 Section 3 General Conditions continued Administration Charges A charge of 15 may be applied for any changes made to your policy. A charge of 20 may be applied in the event that you cancel your policy outside the cooling off period. No charges will be applied during the 14 day cooling off period or for changes requested at the date the policy is renewed. We may apply a charge of 10 to fulfil any request for duplicate insurance documents, including Policy Schedule and Policy Booklet. Telephone Call Recording For our joint protection and for the use of quality control and staff training, telephone calls may be recorded and/or monitored. Premium Payments If You choose to pay through the monthly instalment scheme and fail to make a payment when it is due, We will re-submit the unpaid premium for payment. If it remains unpaid We will consider this to be notice that you want to cancel Your policy. You must return the Schedule to Assurant Intermediary Ltd immediately. When You have notified us of a claim, you must continue with the instalment payments throughout the remaining Period of Insurance or settle the premium in full. We may at Our option, deduct any outstanding instalments or charges from any claim settlement. If we are required to change the level of Insurance Premium Tax or make other changes we will change your premium from the date the changes come into force. We can change your premium for other reasons by giving you 30 days notice in writing. Buildings & Contents Policy 27

28 Section 4 General exclusions applying to the whole of this policy This Policy does not cover the following: a) Radioactive Contamination Loss or damage to any property resulting or arising from any Consequential Loss, legal liability directly, or indirectly caused by, or contributed to by, or arising from: i) Ionising radiations or contamination by radioactivity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel. ii) The radioactive, toxic, explosive or other hazardous properties of any explosive nuclear assembly or nuclear components. b) War Loss or damage occasioned by the consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power, or confiscation, nationalisation, requisition, destruction or seizure to property under the order of any government or public or local authority or other body. c) Terrorism Loss or damage directly or indirectly caused by, or in connection with any act of terrorism, regardless of any other cause or event. For the purpose of this exclusion terrorism includes the use of any destructive, or potentially destructive weapon or device, biological chemical and/or nuclear chemical and/or nuclear force or contamination and/or threat thereof by any person or group of persons, whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organisation(s) or government(s), committed for political, religious ideological or similar purposes, including the intention to influence any government and/or to put the public in fear. Losses caused by, or resulting from riot, attending a strike, civil commotion and malicious damage are not excluded hereunder. d) Deliberate Act Loss or damage caused intentionally by You, or anyone working on Your behalf. e) Existing Damage Loss or damage occurring prior to the commencement of Your insurance Policy. f) Sonic Pressure Loss or damage from pressure waves caused by aircraft, or other flying devices travelling at sonic or supersonic speeds. g) Consequential Loss Consequential loss as a result of any claim under this Policy. h) Wear and Tear Loss or damage as a result of wear and tear, rusting or corrosion, wet or dry rot or fungus or any gradually operating cause. i) Computer Date Recognition and Viruses Loss or damage to computer equipment caused by computer date changes and/ or computer viruses. For the purposes of this exclusion, viruses includes any programs or software which affects computer programs and/or functionality. j) Motor Vehicles Loss or damage caused to any motor vehicles (other than a private garden vehicle), caravans, trailers or watercraft and/or their accessories. k) Domestic Pets Loss or damage caused by domestic pets, insects or vermin. 28 Buildings & Contents Policy

29 Section 5 If You need to make a claim under this Policy continued You must do the following: a) Provide Us with full details of Your claim as soon as possible after the event and always within 30 days. In the first instance, please contact Our claims management service; Direct Group Property Services (Nexus) PO Box 800 Halifax HX1 9ET b) Immediately notify the police following loss or damage by theft, attempted theft, malicious damage, violent disorder, riots or civil commotion and obtain the Crime Reference Number. c) Take all steps necessary to reduce further loss, damage or injury. d) Provide Us with all information and evidence, including written estimates and proof of ownership and value that We may request. e) Do not, under any circumstances effect full repairs without Our prior written consent. f) Under no circumstances must You admit any liability or responsibility or negotiate or settle any aspect of any claim without Our permission in writing. Fraudulent/False Claims If You make any claim knowing the claim to be false or fraudulent, this insurance shall become void and all claims shall be forfeited. We have the right to notify the Police, or other relevant authority or body of any such instances or circumstances. On receipt of a notification of a claim, We may do the following: a) Enter any Building following loss or damage. b) Negotiate, defend or settle any claim made against You. c) Prosecute in Your name for Our benefit, any other person in respect of any claim We may have to pay. d) Appoint a loss adjuster to handle the claim on Our behalf. e) Arrange to repair the damage to the Building and/or any other property or item and handle any salvage appropriately. Buildings & Contents Policy 29

30 Section 6 Making a Complaint Complaints Procedure It is the intention to give You the best possible service but if You do have any questions or concerns about this insurance or the handling of a claim You should follow the Complaints procedure below. Please ensure your policy number is quoted in all correspondence to assist a quick and efficient response. Step 1 Initiating Your Complaint: If Your complaint is about Your Policy, please contact the agent that sold You the Policy; Head of Customer Care ASSURANT INTERMEDIARY LTD Assurant House, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4XT. Tel Fax customerfeedbackyork@assurant.com If Your complaint is about the handling of Your claim, please write to: Direct Group Property Services (Nexus) PO Box 800 Halifax HX1 9ET Step 2 In the event You remain dissatisfied and wish to escalate your complaint, You can do so by contacting: The Customer Relations Manager, UK General Insurance Ltd Cast House, Old Mill Business Park, Gibraltar Island Road, Leeds, LS10 1RJ. Tel: customerrelations@ukgeneral.co.uk Step 3 If it is not possible to reach an agreement, You have the right to make an appeal to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This also applies if You are insured in a business capacity and have an annual turnover of less than 2million and fewer than ten staff. You may contact the Financial Ombudsman Service at: The Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, Docklands, London, E14 9SR. The above complaints procedure is in addition to your statutory rights as a consumer. For further information about your statutory rights contact your local authority Trading Standards Service or Citizens Advice Bureau. 30 Buildings & Contents Policy