Spilling coffee on the sofa, getting cigarette burns on the carpet, leaving the tap on and flooding the bathroom - household accidents happen, but they don't have to leave you out of pocket.
- First steps
- What happens next?
- Putting things right
- Preventative measures
- How John Lewis Insurance can help
First steps
Accidents happen - it's unavoidable. Your first step is to make sure that you're protected against them.
Accidental damage cover
With many home insurance policies you'll only get compensation if the damage isn't your fault - for example if you're burgled or your home is damaged in a fire. If you drop your new camera or spill wine on your carpet you're on your own.
To be compensated for accidents you need a home insurance policy that covers accidental damage. Some companies offer accidental damage cover as an optional extra with their home insurance, at an additional charge.
What happens next?
Prevent further damage
If you've accidentally damaged something in your home, the first step is to prevent further damage as much as possible. Mop up the coffee, turn off the water - whatever the situation demands.
Check your policy
Next, check your policy to make sure the accident is covered. A few aren't - for example, an electrical fault in your computer generally isn't covered under accidental damage. In cases like this, you should rely on the manufacturer's warranty rather than your home insurance policy.
Remember not to throw any damaged items away immediately, as they’re used by the insurer to help settle the claim.
Check with your insurer what you need to do to make a claim, such as photographing damage and keeping receipts for replacement items. They will take the details of your claim and put the wheels in motion to get your property replaced or pay you the value of the item.
To make a John Lewis Home Insurance claim:
- for Home Insurance, call 0845 610 0301
- for Specialist Home Insurance, call 0800 916 6890
Putting things right
Never just go ahead and replace your damaged property - wait until your insurance company confirms your claim. If they decide to repair your property instead of replacing it, you'll end up having to pay for the replacement yourself.
Preventative measures
Some retailers offer treatments for furniture and carpets that protect them from spills.
How John Lewis Insurance can help
John Lewis Home Insurance offers Accidental Damage Cover with all Home Insurance policies, so you are covered if that glass of shiraz accidentally spills on your carpet.
Find more about our Home Insurance cover options now.
Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and acceptance criteria apply. A copy of the policy wording and insurance complaints procedure is available on request.
John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. Registered in England No. 00233462. Registered office 171 Victoria Street London SW1E 5NN. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. AXA Insurance UK plc. Registered in England No. 78950. Registered office: 5 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AD
John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of Sterling Insurance Company Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Sterling Insurance Company Limited. Registered in England No. 0498605. Registered office: Ambassador House, Paradise Road, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey TW9 1SQ