Here are Aviva’s top tips for consumers, to help ensure there are no nasty surprises and avoid misunderstandings which can crop up when a claim is made…

Home insurance

If you have a standard policy, consider whether you need additional cover for accidental damage to contents, or home emergency and boiler breakdown cover.

Most home policies don’t cover gradual wear and tear, the effects of damp and dry rot, or damage to fences, gates and hedges – so make sure your home is well maintained and in good repair. Keep your insurer informed if you make any changes to your home, such as a change in occupancy or building works.

Travel insurance

Make sure you tell your insurer what they need to know about your health, such as any pre-existing medical conditions or tests and investigations.

Try to arrange your travel insurance from the day a holiday is booked – not the day the holiday starts. This will help to make sure you’re covered if the trip is cancelled. It’s also important to make sure you understand the specific cancellation reasons you’re covered for if you need to cancel your holiday.

Motor insurance

Know your policy excess – the amount you need to pay in the event of a claim before the insurance company pays the remainder. When claims are turned down, this can sometimes be because the value of the claim being made falls within the excess stated.

Also, many of us keep possessions lying around in the car. Consider personal belongings cover on your home contents policy to cover your possessions in case they are lost, damaged or stolen while in your car. You may also want to consider installing a dashcam, which can help prove who’s at fault if you have an accident. This could help you to protect your ‘no claims’ discount and excess on your policy.

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