What is the difference between accidental damage and wear and tear?

Accidental damage refers to sudden unintentional events that cause damage like dropping a TV or spilling liquid on a carpet. Wear and tear on the other hand is the gradual deterioration of an item over time through normal use, age or exposure. Home insurance policies generally cover accidental damage but exclude damage resulting from wear and tear.

Does accidental damage insurance cover damage caused by pets?

Typically accidental damage insurance policies do not cover damage caused by pets. While policies vary, most insurers consider pet damage such as scratching furniture or soiling carpets a common household risk that falls outside standard accidental damage events. It is always best to check your product disclosure statement to understand specific exclusions.

Does accidental damage cover my belongings when I take them outside the home?

Standard accidental damage cover usually applies to items within your insured home address. If you need coverage for portable items like laptops, mobile phones, or jewellery when you take them outside your home you generally need to add an optional extra called portable contents or personal effects cover to your policy.

How does making an accidental damage claim work?

To make an accidental damage claim you should contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident occurs. You will need to provide details of what happened including the date, time and a description of the damage. Supplying photographs or videos of the damage and any relevant purchase receipts can help support your claim. Your insurer may then arrange for an assessor to inspect the damage.

What is an accidental damage excess?

An accidental damage excess is the initial amount you must pay towards a claim before your insurer will cover the remaining cost of repair or replacement. The excess amount is determined when you take out your policy and can vary. Choosing a higher excess can sometimes reduce your annual premium but means you pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.