Accidental damage is a type of home insurance cover that protects you against sudden, unintentional damage to your property or belongings. It goes beyond standard buildings and contents insurance, which usually only covers specific events like fire, theft, or flooding.
This cover is designed to help in everyday situations; the kind of mishaps that happen when life gets in the way. Think spilled drinks, dropped gadgets, or DIY jobs gone wrong.
Examples of accidental damage
These are typical incidents that might be covered under an accidental damage policy:
- A TV or mirror knocked off the wall: For example, during cleaning or if a child pulls it down.
- Paint or drinks spilt on the carpet: Such as a knocked-over tin of paint during decorating or red wine at a dinner party.
- A smashed window or broken glass table: Often caused by a falling object, flying ball, or indoor accident.
- A dropped laptop or tablet: If your contents insurance includes gadgets, dropping them accidentally may be covered.
- Drilling through a pipe while doing DIY: This is one of the most common accidental damage claims.
What is not usually covered by accidental damage insurance?
While accidental damage offers wide protection, there are still important exclusions to be aware of:
- Wear and tear: Gradual damage over time, such as fraying carpets or faded curtains.
- Pre-existing damage: Anything that occurred before the policy started.
- Intentional damage: Deliberate acts of harm, even by someone in the household.
- Negligence: Failing to take reasonable care, such as ignoring a leaking pipe.
Policies may also exclude certain high-risk items unless they are specifically listed.
Accidental vs incidental damage – is there a difference?
The terms accidental and incidental damage can sometimes be confused, but they mean slightly different things.
- Accidental damage is unexpected and unintentional harm, regardless of whether it’s part of a larger event.
- Incidental damage is secondary or indirect damage that happens as a result of something else. For example, if a pipe bursts and damages your ceiling, that’s direct damage. If water then soaks your furniture, that’s incidental.
Most home insurance policies refer only to accidental damage as a defined coverage term.
FAQ’s
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Does accidental damage coverage have a limit?
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Yes. Most insurers apply a limit to how much they’ll pay for accidental damage claims, and some items (like TVs or electronics) may have sub-limits. Always check your policy wording for details.
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Is accidental damage cover worth it?
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It depends on your circumstances. If you have children, pets, or a busy household, the risk of everyday accidents may be higher, making this cover useful. Consider the cost of replacing or repairing items and whether you’d be able to do so without insurance.
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Does accidental damage coverage cover damage caused by pets?
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Not always. Some policies exclude pet damage, like chewing or scratching, while others may include it under an enhanced or optional add-on. Check the policy details or speak to your insurer for clarity.
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What if an accidental damage claim is denied by the insurer?
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If your home insurance claim is rejected, ask your insurer for a clear explanation. If you still disagree, you can escalate the complaint through the insurer’s internal process, and if unresolved, to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
