What to look for while buying home insurance?

How to purchase home insurance

Home insurance provides financial protection against potential risks, such as natural disasters, theft, fire, and other unforeseen damages. Here’s how homeowners can secure their properties by selecting a suitable policy.

Compare products

Different insurance providers offer home insurance policies with varying coverage. Before choosing a plan, it is essential to compare premium costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and claim settlement ratios to ensure the best fit for your needs.

Choose right coverage

Home insurance is of two types:

• Structure insurance: Covers damages to the house due to calamities like fire, floods, or earthquakes.
• Content insurance: Covers loss or damage to household items, including electronics appliances and furniture.

Consider riders

Insurance providers offer add-ons, such as loss of rent cover, temporary accommodation cover, and terrorism cover. Selecting suitable riders enhances the overall protection of the policy.

Submission of documents

Applicants need to provide property ownership proof, address proof, and valuation reports, if required. Some insurers may conduct an inspection before issuing the policy.

Premium payment

After finalising the coverage and submitting documents, the homeowner must pay insurance premium. On successful processing, the insurer issues the home insurance policy document.

Points to note

• Standard policies may not cover damages due to war, negligence, or gradual wear and tear.
• Timely renewal ensures continued protection without a break in coverage.

Content courtesy Centre for Investment Education and Learning (CIEL).
Contributions by Girija Gadre, Arti Bhargava and Labdhi Mehta.