Insurance

How do I apply for home contents insurance?

You can apply for home contents insurance by filling in the proposal form and returning it to the local housing office - or posting it to the Council’s revenues unit. You also need to: check the total sum insured figure is adequate; supply any extra information that may be required; read and sign the declaration at the foot of the proposal form (attached to the insurance scheme leaflet).

How do I know if I have been accepted to the scheme?

The council will notify you of details of your weekly insurance payment and the date when you should start paying.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim, contact the local housing office or council information service centre. Staff there will contact the revenues team to get a claims form sent out.

How do I pay my insurance?

The cost of insurance is payable weekly and can be paid when you pay your rent by using your swipe card. To ensure you are always covered, you must keep your payments up-to-date. If you fail to keep up payments, this could affect any claim and may lead to your insurance being cancelled.

How much can I be insured for?

The lowest amount that can be insured is £7,500 for tenants over 60 receiving state retirement benefit and £10,000 for all other tenants.

What is covered?

Most of your household goods and contents in your home are covered against loss or damage caused by theft, fire and flood. Also insured are stolen keys, your freezer contents and your own legal liability to the public. It is also possible to insure improvements you have made to you home such as fitted kitchens, bathrooms, patio doors etc. (but NOT greenhouses and conservatories). Please note that this insurance cover does not cover accidental damage other than the cover detailed on the application form.

What kind of policy is this?

The policy insures your contents on a “new-for-old” basis, meaning they would be replaced as new if destroyed by an event (theft, fire or flood) covered by the policy. It is important not to undervalue your contents otherwise the insurer will not pay the full value of your claim.

What forms should I fill in?

There is a ofrm attached to the back of the Tenants Insurance Scheme leaflet, please ask our advisors if you cannot find one on display. There are also translated forms available in Polish.