Fire insurance for students

The fire insurance is often a part of the cover of a home contents insurance, but where and how do you take out this fire insurance exactly? Obtain an answer to this question by reading this page.

What is a fire insurance policy?

A fire insurance policy is an insurance policy that covers the damage to a house and the house contents caused by a fire. Previously, people used to take out separate fire insurance to insure the contents against fire damage. Nowadays, the possibility to insure a fire insurance as standard in a home contents insurance or homeowners insurance exists as well. With this package, covering home contents and fires, you are covered for more risks than just fire.

What does a fire insurance cover?

The exact coverage of a fire insurance differs per insurer. However, the following events are generally covered by all insurers:

• Damage caused by fire
• Damage caused by extinguishing the fire
• Damage as a result of an explosion
• Damage as a result of a lightning strike

Exceptions

A fire to an insurance company is the following: a fire that spreads by itself and which is located outside of a hearth. In addition, a fire must be accompanied by flames. The following cases are often not covered by the term fire:

• The burning of electrical equipment
• The melting or scorching of goods

And comprehensive fire insurance policy gives you the option to insure the melting, burning and scorching of goods.

Damage caused by a fire

In the policy conditions, in addition to the fire itself, a number of types of fire damage as a result of fire have been included. You also get compensation for:

Damage as a result of extinguishing a fire

This refers to the damage caused by extinguishing the fire. This damage is often automatically insured.

Damage due to a explosion

A explosion refers to the damage caused by a powerful expression of force caused by vapors or gases.

Damage due to lightning

In the event of damage caused by lightning strikes, if there is no fire, insurance companies refer to this event as damage caused by lightning.

What is not insured with a fire insurance policy?

There are some exclusions where the insurance does not payout. These exclusions include the following cases:

1. Catastrophe risk

Damage resulting from, for example, a war or volcano eruption

2. Own defect

The damage caused by your own defect. However, the consequential damage does is covered by the insurer.

We will clarify the own defect and consequential damage by giving an example: If the fire in a living room is caused by an old television burning down, this is seen as your own defect. In this case, you will not receive compensation for this old television. However, the consequential damage to the living room is covered.

Please note

There may be major differences between insurers and the coverage of a fire insurance policy. It is therefore always wise to read the policy conditions carefully and see what coverage your insurer offers.