Contents insurance - Nationwide / Aviva

FT8

I've recently taken out a new contents insurance policy with Nationwide / Aviva. I noticed in the policy that any claim requires evidence (receipts, photos etc.) I owned the item being claimed.

I won't have receipts for the majority of items I've bought over the years. I can take photos of some items. How picky will the insurers be? Will I need photos for all clothing items or will then have an allowance for clothing?

Another point I noticed is that it isn't a new for old policy. They will provide a refurbished product (2nd hand) only.

I'm wondering if this policy is worthwhile and are there better policies available. I have a few more days I can cancel in.

Rodders53

Almost certainly there will be a 'better' more expensive policy with new for old cover. You may have selected the wrong one. No idea how picky Aviva will be.

How did you choose NW/Aviva over the myriad of alternatives??

FT8

I'm a Nationwide customer and I had very little time to renew. I've used Nationwide before.

Sorting through all the options is very time consuming and I just need a policy which covers me properly.

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82065859#Comment_82065859

Does "properly" mean New for Old?

It takes very little time to pop your details into a price comparison engine. However, it does then take a long time to establish whether each policy meets your particular requirements.

In short, you could probably do better than the policy you have chosen with very little trouble. However, finding the "best" policy would probably be more trouble than it is worth.

If you do decide to cancel, make sure you know whether a cancellation fee would apply.

FT8

The detail in the policy matters. That's what they'll apply in a claim. Does anyone know of a good broker who can handle this for me? I'd rather be insurer properly than save a few pounds.

The tools to compare policies don't cover the details. They are pretty superficial. I don't find them helpful. I'd rather choose a good insurer and pay a little more to know I'm insurered correctly.

kaMelo

There really is no shortcut for home insurance as, unlike car insurance there is a myriad of options. A comparison site will fill in the basics but for specific cover you'll need to read each providers policy cover and what they include and/or what's available for an extra premium like pushbike cover, garage/outbuildings, jewellery/watches etc.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6675878/contents-insurance-nationwide-aviva

What evidence is required very much depends on what the claim is for and the state of the item etc. You want to claim for Flood damage and so can handover the dead laptop then in most cases no further evidence will be required. If you are claiming for theft of an item its then when things get more complex as you cant handover the stolen item to prove you owned it.

Most the time insurers are relatively reasonable, you have a nice house in a nice area, the loss adjuster comes around and can see your new LG TV, the Miele kitchen appliances etc and you say your 5 year old iPhone 13 Pro was snatched and give them the police crime reference they are probably going to take it as true as it presents as consistent picture. On the flip side, run down property, run down contents, minimum valuables covered but you are claiming a £20k Rolex was snatched only a week after you added it to the policy then they probably will want more evidence as its not consistent with the rest of the stuff you own, such a short period of ownership etc.

Switch by all means but most insurers are going to be exactly the same. When you get into the proper HNW policies then things will be different and they may well inspect any items individually worth more than £20k up front to agree the value and condition so ownership isnt in question if its stolen. Never had a true HNW quote, but for example Hiscox's Direct (which is a very watered down policy) for contents only for our home is £5k -v- the £750 from Aviva.