Home Insurance: Fires

By Author: Foster carr
Total Articles: 30
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A house fire is among all of our worst nightmares, and the effects can be devastating. It is essential that you have home insurance to rebuild or repair your home in the event of a fire, but of course people cannot be replaced so easily. Even where no injuries occur, a fire can be very traumatic and the loss of photographs and other possessions with sentimental value can be very difficult.

Insurance companies are unsurprisingly very keen to help customers to minimise the risk of house fires, not only because of the costs if a customer makes a claim, but also because of the high risks of death or serious injury from even relatively small house fires.

Make sure that smoke alarms are installed and are regularly checked. Fire alarms should be replaced at least every ten years. Ensure that any windows that have bars can be opened from the inside to allow family members to escape in an emergency. Talk about escape plans with the household so that if a fire should break out, everyone knows what to do even if they are on their own.

All furnishings and fabrics should be fire retardant. House fires in the UK are commonly ...
... started by candles, so be very careful about where they are placed and never leave a candle burning unattended.

Do not place furniture or fabrics within three feet of a heater, and make sure all heaters and open fires are inaccessible to children and pets. Dont leave appliances on standby, and dont overload plugs and sockets. Check for frayed cables and repair any faults.

In the kitchen, prevent fat from building up in grill pans and in the oven by keeping them clean, and never throw water over a chip pan fire as this will cause the fire to spread. Smother small kitchen fires with a fire blanket or wet tea towel, but call the fire brigade for any large fires.

If you follow these simple steps then the chances that you will need to call your insurer will be greatly reduced. However, do not be tempted to skimp on home insurance, because the difference in cover can be great for even a small increase in premium. Weigh up the likelihood of a fire against the impact it would have on you and your family before you choose the right level of cover for you.

Find out how you could save on your household, building and contents insurance cover with Kwik Fit's home insurance.