Many Council tenants believe that we automatically insure their furniture, belongings and decorations against theft, fire, vandalism or burst pipes. This is not the case. Unfortunately many people only realise this after the damage has been done.
The Council makes it easy for you to insure your belongings under a special household contents insurance scheme. The scheme is arranged through Norwich Union and is available only to Council tenants (leaseholders have to make private arrangements).
Weekly payment with your rent
The cost of insurance is payable weekly along with your rent. Premiums are very affordable and those over the age of 60 can benefit from even cheaper weekly payments. You should remember that if you fall into arrears with your rent this means that your insurance premiums are not paid, so you will not be able to make a claim. Any payments that you make go first to your rent, then to other charges (such as water rates) and finally to insurance. The Council has the right to cancel your insurance if your arrears persist, but we provide you with written warning before taking this action.
Insurance for your furniture, TV, clothing, carpets and electrical goods
Most of your household goods and contents are insured when in your home. Also insured are the theft of keys, freezer contents and your own liability to the public. It is vital to ensure you take out enough cover to insure all your belongings for their full value. We find that people forget about the cost of replacing carpets, curtains, freezers, sofas etc and so don't take out enough insurance. Please telephone the Insurance section on 01708-434043 if you need any advice about insurance cover.
It is important not to undervalue your contents, otherwise the insurance company will not pay the full value of your claim. You must declare the full value of property insured as failure to do so may invalidate your policy or reduce claims settlements.
Insurance against fire, theft, vandalism and water damage
Your contents are covered for loss or damage caused by specific events and perils. Full details are given in the policy booklet that you will receive when you are accepted onto the scheme. It is your responsibility to read the booklet so that you are aware of what your insurance does and does not cover. For instance, the policy does not cover general wear and tear, nor does it provide cover for repairing appliances that simply break down. No insurance policy can provide cover for each and every possible eventuality, so you must make sure you understand the limitations of the policy. You are welcome to telephone the Insurance section if you need assistance in this regard.
Accidental damage
Tenants have the option of having full accidental damage cover. A small additional premium is payable for this. If you do not choose to insure your contents for accidental damage you will not be able to make a claim unless the accidental damage has been caused to mirrors, fixed glass in furniture or cookers, ceramic hobs, televisions, aerials, videos or DVD players.
Freezer contents
The policy provides cover for the food in your freezer. If your freezer malfunctions you will be able to claim for the cost of the food, but not for the malfunction of the freezer itself. Your claim would have to be consistent with the size of your freezer and you would have to provide a list of the food that had been affected.
"New for old" cover
The Council's policy insures your contents, other than clothing and linen, on a "new for old" basis. This means that they would be replaced as new if they are destroyed by an event that is insured by the policy. When considering how much insurance you require you should add up the value of items other than clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost as new, as well as the cost of clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost, less an allowance for wear and tear. Please see the note above about making sure that you do not undervalue your belongings.
Low minimum sums insured
The lowest amount that can be insured under the Council's scheme is:
Tenants have the option of having full accidental damage cover. A small additional premium is payable for this. If you do not choose to insure your contents for accidental damage you will not be able to make a claim unless the accidental damage has been caused to mirrors, fixed glass in furniture or cookers, ceramic hobs, televisions, aerials, videos or DVD players.The policy provides cover for the food in your freezer. If your freezer malfunctions you will be able to claim for the cost of the food, but not for the malfunction of the freezer itself. Your claim would have to be consistent with the size of your freezer and you would have to provide a list of the food that had been affected.The Council's policy insures your contents, other than clothing and linen, on a "new for old" basis. This means that they would be replaced as new if they are destroyed by an event that is insured by the policy. When considering how much insurance you require you should add up the value of items other than clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost as new, as well as the cost of clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost, less an allowance for wear and tear. Please see the note above about making sure that you do not undervalue your belongings.The lowest amount that can be insured under the Council's scheme is:
£6,000 for people over the age of 60
£9,000 for all other tenants
These are the minimum amounts that can be insured. You should not take out insurance for either of these amounts unless the value of your household contents warrants it. Most people will need a higher rate of cover, so it is vital to accurately value the cost of replacing everything within your home before taking out insurance.
How to apply
You need to complete a proposal form that can be obtained from any of the District Housing Offices, from Gooshays Gardens or by telephoning 01708-434043. By law you must truthfully answer all the questions that are on the form and disclose all the material facts. A material fact is one that is likely to influence an insurer in the acceptance and assessment of the application. If you are in any doubt as to whether a fact is material then it should be disclosed anyway. If any changes in circumstances arise during the period you have insurance cover you must let the Council know. If you do not declare all the material facts or fail to notify us of any changes you risk your insurance being declared invalid.
Insurance start date
Your insurance starts when the Council informs you in writing that you have been accepted onto the scheme. You will be provided with an insurance schedule that shows the level of cover you have chosen and a policy booklet that details what is and is not covered.
NB The Council's scheme is for tenants only. Leaseholders need to make their own contents insurance arrangements.
You need to complete a proposal form that can be obtained from any of the District Housing Offices, from Gooshays Gardens or by telephoning 01708-434043. By law you must truthfully answer all the questions that are on the form and disclose all the material facts. A material fact is one that is likely to influence an insurer in the acceptance and assessment of the application. If you are in any doubt as to whether a fact is material then it should be disclosed anyway. If any changes in circumstances arise during the period you have insurance cover you must let the Council know. If you do not declare all the material facts or fail to notify us of any changes you risk your insurance being declared invalid.Your insurance starts when the Council informs you in writing that you have been accepted onto the scheme. You will be provided with an insurance schedule that shows the level of cover you have chosen and a policy booklet that details what is and is not covered.
Home insurance
Many Council tenants believe that we automatically insure their furniture, belongings and decorations against theft, fire, vandalism or burst pipes. This is not the case. Unfortunately many people only realise this after the damage has been done.
The Council makes it easy for you to insure your belongings under a special household contents insurance scheme. The scheme is arranged through Norwich Union and is available only to Council tenants (leaseholders have to make private arrangements).
Weekly payment with your rent
The cost of insurance is payable weekly along with your rent. Premiums are very affordable and those over the age of 60 can benefit from even cheaper weekly payments. You should remember that if you fall into arrears with your rent this means that your insurance premiums are not paid, so you will not be able to make a claim. Any payments that you make go first to your rent, then to other charges (such as water rates) and finally to insurance. The Council has the right to cancel your insurance if your arrears persist, but we provide you with written warning before taking this action.
Insurance for your furniture, TV, clothing, carpets and electrical goods
Most of your household goods and contents are insured when in your home. Also insured are the theft of keys, freezer contents and your own liability to the public. It is vital to ensure you take out enough cover to insure all your belongings for their full value. We find that people forget about the cost of replacing carpets, curtains, freezers, sofas etc and so don't take out enough insurance. Please telephone the Insurance section on 01708-434043 if you need any advice about insurance cover.
It is important not to undervalue your contents, otherwise the insurance company will not pay the full value of your claim. You must declare the full value of property insured as failure to do so may invalidate your policy or reduce claims settlements.
Insurance against fire, theft, vandalism and water damage
Your contents are covered for loss or damage caused by specific events and perils. Full details are given in the policy booklet that you will receive when you are accepted onto the scheme. It is your responsibility to read the booklet so that you are aware of what your insurance does and does not cover. For instance, the policy does not cover general wear and tear, nor does it provide cover for repairing appliances that simply break down. No insurance policy can provide cover for each and every possible eventuality, so you must make sure you understand the limitations of the policy. You are welcome to telephone the Insurance section if you need assistance in this regard.
Accidental damage
Tenants have the option of having full accidental damage cover. A small additional premium is payable for this. If you do not choose to insure your contents for accidental damage you will not be able to make a claim unless the accidental damage has been caused to mirrors, fixed glass in furniture or cookers, ceramic hobs, televisions, aerials, videos or DVD players.
Freezer contents
The policy provides cover for the food in your freezer. If your freezer malfunctions you will be able to claim for the cost of the food, but not for the malfunction of the freezer itself. Your claim would have to be consistent with the size of your freezer and you would have to provide a list of the food that had been affected.
"New for old" cover
The Council's policy insures your contents, other than clothing and linen, on a "new for old" basis. This means that they would be replaced as new if they are destroyed by an event that is insured by the policy. When considering how much insurance you require you should add up the value of items other than clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost as new, as well as the cost of clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost, less an allowance for wear and tear. Please see the note above about making sure that you do not undervalue your belongings.
Low minimum sums insured
The lowest amount that can be insured under the Council's scheme is:
Tenants have the option of having full accidental damage cover. A small additional premium is payable for this. If you do not choose to insure your contents for accidental damage you will not be able to make a claim unless the accidental damage has been caused to mirrors, fixed glass in furniture or cookers, ceramic hobs, televisions, aerials, videos or DVD players.The policy provides cover for the food in your freezer. If your freezer malfunctions you will be able to claim for the cost of the food, but not for the malfunction of the freezer itself. Your claim would have to be consistent with the size of your freezer and you would have to provide a list of the food that had been affected.The Council's policy insures your contents, other than clothing and linen, on a "new for old" basis. This means that they would be replaced as new if they are destroyed by an event that is insured by the policy. When considering how much insurance you require you should add up the value of items other than clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost as new, as well as the cost of clothing and household linen at their current replacement cost, less an allowance for wear and tear. Please see the note above about making sure that you do not undervalue your belongings.The lowest amount that can be insured under the Council's scheme is:
£6,000 for people over the age of 60
£9,000 for all other tenants
These are the minimum amounts that can be insured. You should not take out insurance for either of these amounts unless the value of your household contents warrants it. Most people will need a higher rate of cover, so it is vital to accurately value the cost of replacing everything within your home before taking out insurance.
How to apply
You need to complete a proposal form that can be obtained from any of the District Housing Offices, from Gooshays Gardens or by telephoning 01708-434043. By law you must truthfully answer all the questions that are on the form and disclose all the material facts. A material fact is one that is likely to influence an insurer in the acceptance and assessment of the application. If you are in any doubt as to whether a fact is material then it should be disclosed anyway. If any changes in circumstances arise during the period you have insurance cover you must let the Council know. If you do not declare all the material facts or fail to notify us of any changes you risk your insurance being declared invalid.
Insurance start date
Your insurance starts when the Council informs you in writing that you have been accepted onto the scheme. You will be provided with an insurance schedule that shows the level of cover you have chosen and a policy booklet that details what is and is not covered.
NB The Council's scheme is for tenants only. Leaseholders need to make their own contents insurance arrangements.
You need to complete a proposal form that can be obtained from any of the District Housing Offices, from Gooshays Gardens or by telephoning 01708-434043. By law you must truthfully answer all the questions that are on the form and disclose all the material facts. A material fact is one that is likely to influence an insurer in the acceptance and assessment of the application. If you are in any doubt as to whether a fact is material then it should be disclosed anyway. If any changes in circumstances arise during the period you have insurance cover you must let the Council know. If you do not declare all the material facts or fail to notify us of any changes you risk your insurance being declared invalid.Your insurance starts when the Council informs you in writing that you have been accepted onto the scheme. You will be provided with an insurance schedule that shows the level of cover you have chosen and a policy booklet that details what is and is not covered.
Buildings insurance cover
You must notify the Council of any changes in circumstances, particularly if the property is being left empty or if you have tenants residing there. You must provide us with a correspondence address if you are not living at the property and if you are sub-letting you must send copies of all tenancy agreements, even if the same tenant chooses to renew their lease with you. You mustn't do anything which may invalidate your buildings insurance.
This is stated in Clause 2(4) of the First Schedule as follows:
"Not to do or permit to be done any act or thing which may render void or voidable the policy or policies of the Building (including the demised premises) and other parts of the Estate hereinbefore contained to or any policy or policies of insurance in respect of the contents of any of the flats comprised in the Building or which may cause any increased premium to be payable in respect of any such policy or policies."
If you need details on your buildings insurance policy please contact the Insurance section on 01708-432369.