When you take out home insurance, there are many things a standard buildings policy will protect you against: fire, flooding, storms, and subsidence.

But drop a tin of paint on your hardwood floor or put your foot through the ceiling while in the loft, and you might not be covered.

That's where accidental damage insurance comes in. This guide explains what it is, what it covers, and whether it's worth adding to your policy.

Key takeaways

• Accidental damage insurance covers sudden mishaps that aren't caused by wear and tear, or typical insured events like fire, flood, storms etc.
• On a buildings insurance policy, it typically covers damage to the structure of your home, such as walls, pipes, and fixed glass.
• It's an optional add-on, not included as standard, so it's worth checking what your policy includes before you buy.

What is accidental damage cover?

Accidental damage cover is an insurance add-on that pays out when something in your home is damaged through an accident, rather than an insured event or gradual wear and tear.

A standard buildings insurance policy will cover damage from specific events, such as fires, floods, storms and subsidence.

But accidents that fall outside those categories, things that just happen day-to-day, are usually excluded unless you add accidental damage insurance.

It's worth knowing that accidental damage can apply to two different parts of your home insurance:

• Buildings accidental damage: covers the structure of the property itself, including walls, floors, fixed pipes, and windows.
• Contents accidental damage: covers your belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, and appliances. This is a separate add-on on a contents policy.

Personal possessions cover can insure your belongings from accidental damage and theft both at home and on the move.

What accidental damage covers on buildings insurance

Accidental damage on a buildings insurance policy covers unexpected damage to the structure of your home. Some common examples include:

• Drilling through a pipe or cable inside a wall
• Breaking a fixed window or glass panel
• Knocking a hole in an interior or exterior wall
• Cracking a bathroom suite
• Spilling paint on floorboards or carpets that are part of the fixed flooring

By adding accidental damage insurance to your policy, you get the peace of mind of knowing that everyday mishaps won't lead to an unexpected bill.

What accidental damage does not cover on building insurance

Accidental damage insurance has limits, particularly around good maintenance. Common exclusions include:

• Wear and tear: Damp, rot, or rust, roof weathering or fading paintwork.
• Poor workmanship: Damage that's caused by faulty DIY or a builder's mistake.
• Damage by pets: Many policies exclude damage caused by animals, though this varies by insurer.
• Deliberate damage: Even if caused by someone in your own household.
• Contents: You'll need contents insurance to protect your possessions.

Always check the specific exclusions in your policy wording, as they can vary between insurers.

Is accidental damage cover worth it?

There's no single answer to this. Whether accidental damage insurance is worth adding depends on your circumstances and how you use your home. Here are some things to think about:

• Do you do a lot of DIY? If you regularly drill, fix, or renovate, the risk of accidentally damaging a pipe or wall is higher than average.
• Do you have young children? Homes with small children tend to see more unexpected breakages and mishaps, which can make accidental damage cover more useful.
• How old is your property? Older homes may have pipes and structures in less predictable places, making accidental damage more likely during maintenance work.
• What would a repair cost? If the cost of repairing accidental structural damage would be significant, and you wouldn't have savings to cover it, insurance can offer useful peace of mind.
• What does the add-on cost? Weigh the additional monthly or annual cost against the realistic risk and potential repair bill.

It's also worth noting that making a claim for accidental damage may affect your No Claims Discount at renewal, so small repairs might be better handled out of pocket.

Accidental damage on contents insurance

Accidental damage on a buildings policy only covers the structure of your home. If you want protection for your belongings, you'd need to add accidental damage to a contents insurance policy instead.

Contents accidental damage covers things like spilling a drink on a laptop, or dropping and breaking a television.

Because the two add-ons cover different things, you may want both buildings and contents insurance if you own your home and want broader protection.

Accidental damage to a neighbour's property

If you accidentally cause damage to a neighbour's property, your buildings insurance policy may help through its liability cover.

This covers you if you're found legally responsible for damage or injury caused to someone else as a result of your property, such as a pipe that bursts and floods the flat below, or a tile that falls and damages their car.

Accidental damage cover is specifically for damage to your own home. If you're concerned about liability to others, check whether your buildings policy includes property owner's liability cover and what the limits are.

Home insurance from Marshmallow

At Marshmallow, we offer home insurance designed with UK newcomers in mind, including buildings insurance, contents insurance, and combined policies.

We don't currently offer accidental damage as an add-on on our buildings policies. But if you're looking for straightforward home insurance that covers the essentials, from fire and flood to storm damage and subsidence, we can help.

Find out more or get a free quote today.

FAQs

Is accidental damage cover the same as buildings insurance?

No. Buildings insurance covers damage from specific events like fire, flooding, and storms. Accidental damage is an optional add-on that extends your cover to include sudden, unexpected mishaps not caused by those events.

Does home insurance automatically include accidental damage?

Not usually. Accidental damage is typically an optional extra that you add to your policy. Always check your policy documents to confirm what's included as standard.

Can I add accidental damage cover mid-policy?

This depends on your insurer. Some allow mid-policy changes, though an admin fee may apply. Check with your insurer directly if you want to add accidental damage cover after your policy has started.

What is the excess for an accidental damage claim?

Your excess is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim you make. The amount varies by policy and insurer. Check your policy documents to see what applies to accidental damage claims specifically, as it may differ from your standard excess.

Does accidental damage cover include damage caused by children?

It can do, but not always. Some policies cover accidental damage caused by children living in the home; others exclude it. Check the specific terms of your policy to be sure.