All types of listed and protected properties can be covered and the sum insured needs to reflect the property’s listed status.

Your contents cover should include anything that is not built in - for example furniture, white goods, carpets, curtains, clothes, linen, kitchenware and so on.

Accessible windows are windows, skylights and/or roof-lights that are at ground floor or basement level, or within easy reach of the ground and capable of being opened - such as a first-floor window above a flat-roof.

Subsidence is the downward movement of the site upon which a building stands, where the soil beneath the building foundations is unstable. Subsidence often results in cracking within an affected building.

When you take out home contents insurance you will have protection for your personal possessions at your residence. Personal possessions insurance extends the cover for loss or damage outside of your home. The most common claims under this cover are loss or theft of an item of jewellery or laptop often whilst on holiday (travel policies provide cover but have very low single article limits). Typical items covered are portable computer equipment, jewellery, contents of a handbag, clothing, hearing aids and glasses.

Every policy is different and you will need to check your particular policy wording, but as a general rule of thumb the following will be required: A lock which can be locked with a key from both the inside and the outside, a mortice deadlock with five or more levers or a surface mounted rim deadlock, a key operated multi-point locking system, two key operated security bolts operating horizontally and fitted internally top and bottom, for each door or window two key operated security bolts operating vertically and fitted internally top and bottom, for each opening door two key operated patio door locks operating horizontally and fitted top and bottom, one key operated patio door lock plus an anti-lift device, an anti-lift device prevents the lifting of sliding patio doors from their frames, at least one key operated locking device on all accessible opening windows.

Subject to valuation, high net worth insurers cover items on an agreed value basis. In addition, in the event of a claim, you are free to use your own jeweller and not an insurer’s nominated jeweller Most insurers will agree to cash settlement based on valuation figure and not the cost of replacement.

There are a number of advantages. If you have numerous vehicles and a limited number of drivers you will often benefit from very competitive premiums. Additionally, aside from the named drivers, the policy automatically extends to cover any non-family member driving any of the vehicles - in some cases, with no age limit. Similarly, the named drivers (not just the policyholder) will be covered to drive any other vehicle for full accidental damage. On top of that, the vehicles will be covered on an agreed value at inception/renewal date for the next 12 months rather than on the Glass’s guide valuation at the time of the accident/theft. Finally, any courtesy cars provided will be comparable to your own vehicle and you’ll get full European breakdown cover.

You can find out when your house was built by checking your mortgage valuation or a previous survey. If you don't have these consult a professional surveyor – remembering that insurers want to know the approximate year in which the property's foundations were first laid.

Rebuild cost is calculated on the gross external floor area of your home and guidance can be obtained form the ABI who provide a guide of rebuild costs (www.abi.bcis.co.uk). However, for the more complex properties, many insurers offer a free appraisal service which will calculate the correct rebuild cost taking into account internal finishes.

It is possible to arrange cover on what is known as a warranty free basis. This means that the Insurer does not stipulate that locks and alarm must be used and cannot refuse a claim if they are not put in place (although there is the expectation that in general they will be put in place).

Ideally, these items should be insured on an agreed value basis. This means that in the event of a total loss, this is the amount you are guaranteed to be paid. Valuation or original invoices will be required.

Yes cover can be arranged for jewellery, art, antiques or other such items whilst being stored in a bank, safety deposit box or whilst being restored/repaired.

The majority of claims can be settled on a cash basis. Insurers do not insist that their own suppliers or providers deal with replacement of your lost or damaged goods.

We have many insurers that are able to cover for holiday homes in the UK and overseas, either as an extension to the policy covering your main residence or on a standalone basis.

This would ensure your overseas home would be covered on UK wording rather than a local wording - UK cover is often wider and does not contain unknown restrictions.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, cancellation or curtailment costs, baggage, loss of money & passports, and personal liability for causing injury or damage. Commercial travel policies extend to include the cost of sending out a replacement member of staff should an employee fall ill or need to cut their trip short.

Cover outside of the home? Standard Policy: Not covered or limited to specific items. High Net Worth Policy: Everything is covered worldwide. Trace & access? Standard Policy: Not covered or with a low inner limit. High Net Worth Policy: Unlimited. Matching? Standard Policy: Will not match undamaged items e.g. only damaged tile replaced or section of kitchen surface/units. High Net Worth Policy: If unable to match will replace the entire area. Security/Warranty Free? Standard Policy: Security measures must be put in place and warranties complied with. High Net Worth Policy: No warranties and no security requirements. Clothing? Standard Policy: Wear and tear taken into account when valuing items in a claim. High Net Worth Policy: Clothes replaced on a new for old basis. Replacement Items? Standard Policy: Will receive a voucher and must use insurer’s network. High Net Worth Policy: Cash settlement. Jewellery? Standard Policy: Items with a value over £1,000 will often need to be specified. High Net Worth Policy: Items typically only need to be specified with values over £10,000.

Mobile phones would be covered under the contents policy for an insured event (e.g. theft, water damage, accidental damage etc) subject to the policy excess. There will be specific conditions relating to items left in unattended vehicles and when travelling.

Mobile electronic devices would be covered under the contents policy for an insured event (e.g. theft, water damage, accidental damage etc) subject to the policy excess. There will be specific conditions relating to items left in unattended vehicles and when travelling.