Home insurance: what does it cover?

Student accommodation insurance is compulsory for all students renting a flat, house, studio, independent university room or from a private individual, including furnished accommodation. You should know that the owner also has to have insurance. This multi-risk contract protects the premises from different types of damage such as flooding or fire, but that's not all, let's take a closer look. The contract must be signed before the keys are handed over and the tenant enters the premises. In other words, it is impossible to move into your new home without this. The policy essentially covers damage to property, the insurance holder's civil liability and so-called private life liability. But what exactly does this include? What are the guarantees for the insurance holder? What does the insurer agree to? A brief review.

Home insurance: the most common types of coverage

First of all, it is important to know that the basic guarantees may differ from one contract to another. That's why you should take time to compare offers from different insurance companies. The following is a list of the standard specific guarantees covered in the event of a claim caused by the insurance holder or a third party:

• Water damage: this is one of the most common types of damage. It is therefore essential to check that it is covered by the contract. It's always worth checking the details and making sure that it takes a wide range of damage into account, namely: infiltration, flooding, burst and frozen pipes.
• Fire: here, you have to be careful of the distinction between fire and smoke, the latter is not necessarily covered. In the case of fire, make sure it is covered even if you are responsible for starting it, like a fire caused by a BBQ or poorly extinguished cigarette...
• Theft or vandalism: with regards to this point, take great care to check that your home is equipped with bars on the windows if it is on the ground floor, that it has a 3-point lock on the main door and that it is possibly equipped with an alarm. These various elements will be carefully recorded by the insurer.
• Storms and natural disasters: an option worth taking if the accommodation is located in an at-risk area.
• Broken glass: it depends on its origin. In the event of a break-in, the coverage related to theft will apply.

Rental insurance contract, civil liability

In addition to the risks and damages mentioned above, home insurance also provides civil liability coverage. It allows people who have suffered damage to be compensated. If this happens, it is up to the insurance holder to send the insurer a document called “declaration of damage caused to a third party”. Damage caused by the tenant, his/her spouse, children, employees or animals will be covered.

Comprehensive home insurance, personal liability

This guarantee covers the insurance holder's liability in the event of damage caused to a third party. Examples include breaking pair of glasses, a telephone or a camera, whether unintentionally, intentionally or through negligence. It's mandatory within educational establishments or associations, and is often part of your rental contract.