What is accidental damage Insurance ? -Home Insurance in USA

What is accidental damage Insurance ? -Home Insurance in USA

While household accidents are common, that doesn’t mean they’re not a hassle. One way to keep stress levels down is to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. 

If you subscribe to the ‘better safe than sorry’ school of thought, accidental damage cover could be a valuable add-on. It won’t stop your top-of-the-range TV tumbling off the wall but picking up the pieces afterwards may be easier on your pocket.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of adding accidental damage cover to your contents or buildings insurance policy. 

Please remember, policies can vary depending on what level of cover you pick. You should always read the detail of any policy to see exactly what is and isn’t included.

What is accidental damage?

Accidental damage is caused suddenly and unexpectedly by an outside force. It’s different from damage caused by wear and tear or a breakdown. You can add accidental damage cover to either your contents insurance or to your buildings insurance. Or even both.

What’s likely to be covered:

What’s usually not covered:

Accidental damage protection won’t cover you if, for example, your computer crashes because it’s very old.

Portable electronics and clothes are often excluded from contents insurance accidental damage policies, so check with your insurer. 

Damage caused by animals, like a pet chewing your furniture, isn’t usually covered.

Poor workmanship or design wouldn’t be covered as part of your buildings insurance accidental damage cover.

With accidental damage cover you can only claim for damage to your house or garden, as part of your buildings insurance. Or items inside your house or garden, as part of your contents insurance.

Items away from your home aren’t protected. For example, if you drop your laptop while walking down the street, this wouldn’t be covered by accidental damage. However, you can protect your belongings while they’re away from your home by adding personal belongings cover. Remember to check the details of the cover before adding it to your policy.

Do I need accidental damage cover?

The benefits of accidental damage insurance

How do I make an accidental damage claim?  

It’s quick and easy to make a claim online using our simple claims form  or by logging in to MyAviva .

If it’s an emergency call us on 0345 030 6945 — lines are open 24 hours a day.1

We’ll need to know what happened and when, plus details of what you’re claiming for. Photos of damage or receipts for lost items are helpful.