Contents insurance help

Adz1000

Hi guys, bit of help needed as I am trying to sort some contents insurance out. I have never had it before but thought it's about time I should, even if it is to start getting some no claims!

Basically, I am in a flat so buildings insurance is covered in the 'ground rent' as I have been told, so it will only be contents I am needing. First off, should I go around and add up how much every item in my flat is and that is how much I need to put the total insurance amount up to? What about things like DVD's, should I add those up too?

Secondly, many things I don't actually have the receipts/invoices for any more so can't prove how much they cost, I suppose you could backtrack it through previous bank statements but that would be a tedious task! Would I just put a rough estimate to what it is worth? Should I put the price I paid for it, or the price it is worth now?

Also, as I am in a flat a few floors from the ground, I have a small balcony which has a locking sliding door. Does this count as a patio for the insurance as I have seen them ask if you have patio doors?

Lastly, what are the best companies to go for, for just contents insurance?

About to do some more searching, but any more info would be very helpful, sorry if they are stupid questions!

anniecave

I would just do a rough estimate of values. I wouldn't worry about specifics. Just work on if everything was stolen how much would it cost approximately to replace everything that you would replace, at current market values? Make sure you list anything valuable (expensive stereos or laptops or camera equipment or jewellry etc) as they might ask about things like that.

If there is no access from your balcony either to another persons balcony or to the ground, then I wouldn't think it would count as patio, but by all means check with the insurer.

You could try comparison sites like confused.com or moneysupermarket.com for starters. I think there is a article on here about contents insurance as well.

anniecave

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/home-insurance

Adz1000

Thanks for the info, anything more I should look out for?

cattie

Buildings insurance will not be covered by ground rent as ground rent is just that, it pays for the ground on which the property stands.

Service charges, if any are paid, is what will contribute towards buildings insurance.