Accidental damage cover is insurance for sudden, unexpected physical damage caused by an accident. It can help with the cost of repairing or replacing insured property, subject to the policy terms.
Buildings and contents cover protect different parts of your home. Buildings insurance relates to its structure and permanent fixtures, while contents insurance covers your household belongings.
Adding accidental damage to one section does not automatically extend the other. Check your policy schedule to see which cover you have selected.
Buildings accidental damage cover relates to the structure of your home and its permanent fixtures, such as fitted kitchen units and bathroom fittings.
Depending on the policy and level of cover, examples may include accidentally cracking a washbasin or damaging a ceiling when someone puts a foot through it.
Contents accidental damage cover relates to insured household belongings, such as furniture, carpets and electrical items.
Examples may include spilling a drink that stains a sofa, dropping a laptop or accidentally knocking over a television. Whether a claim is covered depends on how the damage happened, the item involved and the policy terms.
| Example of an accident | Cover section to check |
|---|---|
| A dropped object cracks a fitted basin | Buildings |
| Someone puts a foot through the ceiling while in the loft | Buildings |
| A drink spills onto a sofa | Contents |
| Paint spills onto a carpet | Contents |
| A television is accidentally knocked over | Contents |
| A laptop is accidentally dropped at home | Contents |
These examples illustrate which cover section may apply. Cover depends on your policy’s terms, limits, excesses and exclusions.
Some home insurance policies include limited accidental damage cover as standard, with an option to extend it. Others offer accidental damage as an additional cover option.
Basic cover may apply to particular items or incidents, such as fixed glass or bathroom fittings. Extended accidental damage can provide broader protection, but exclusions still apply. The labels used by insurers can differ.
When comparing quotes, look at what each option covers for buildings and contents. Your schedule and policy wording explain the protection selected.
Explore the main benefits and exclusions of accidental damage cover for buildings and contents below. This is a summary; your policy booklet and schedule explain the cover selected, including the limits, excesses and conditions that apply.
Consider the extra premium, the excess you would pay on a claim and the repair or replacement costs you could manage yourself.
Think about the accidents you want protection against, then check whether the offered cover includes them. For example, someone concerned about spills on furniture should review contents accidental damage, while damage to permanent fittings relates to buildings cover.
Existing gadget insurance or other policies may already protect particular belongings. Check for overlapping cover before adding an option.
When getting a home insurance quote, review the accidental damage options available for buildings, contents or both.
Already insured with Intelligent Insurance? Contact our team to ask whether accidental damage can be added to your existing policy.
Any agreed change, additional premium and effective date will be confirmed.
Cover cannot be added retrospectively for damage that has already happened.
It may cover eligible accidents caused by children, such as a spill that damages furniture. Deliberate damage is different. Check the policy terms and any restrictions on who caused the damage.
Some accidental damage arising during everyday DIY may be covered. Faulty workmanship, structural alterations and renovation work can be excluded. Tell us about planned building work and check the terms before relying on accidental damage cover.
If you’re planning a renovation, learn more about home renovation insurance.
Do not assume contents accidental damage extends to items you take out with you. Personal belongings cover may be needed for eligible items away from home. Check the locations, items and limits covered by your policy.
Check the limits for the item and category concerned. Some valuables may need to be individually specified.
Tell us about higher-value belongings so the available protection can be checked.
Availability and restrictions depend on the policy and living arrangement. Tell us who lives at the property and whether any part is let.
Ask us to check accidental damage options before assuming your own belongings, or damage caused by another resident, are covered.
If you have a lodger, learn more about home insurance with lodgers.
The additional premium depends on the policy, the cover selected and your circumstances. Your quote will show the cost of the available options.
Compare this with the excess, limits and exclusions.
*We may not be able to quote in all circumstances. Cover limits/restrictions and/or conditions may apply to the policy. These are clearly detailed prior to purchase, and in the policy documentation for you to determine if the cover is suitable for your needs.
If you’re currently insured with us, you’ll find the documents for your policy in MyAccount.
Making a claim has never been easier – just follow these three simple steps.
Find your insurer’s claims contact details in your policy document or Schedule. Always have your policy number to hand, as it helps your insurer’s claims team quickly identify you and assist you without delay.
Call your insurer’s claims team as soon as the incident occurs. Provide a brief description of what happened and, if applicable, notify the Police within seven days for incidents like theft or malicious damage.
If required, complete and return the claim form along with supporting documents (receipts, photos, etc.) within 30 days. This ensures a smooth, timely processing of your claim.
We work with experienced and established insurers to give you peace of mind that your home is protected
