Stormy winter weather is highlighting that many homeowners are unsure exactly what their household buildings insurance covers, according to the Association of British Insurers.

As a result, the Association is urging all homeowners to ensure that, when buying buildings insurance, they are aware of what they need to know, the information they should be given and exactly what they are covered for. To help, the Association has produced two leaflets explaining everything that homeowners need to know about buildings insurance.

Tony Baker, ABI's Deputy Director General, said:

"Nothing shows the importance of having adequate buildings insurance better than bad weather. While insurance companies do much to ensure that customers understand what they are covered for and how to claim, too many homeowners fail to appreciate the extent of the protection they have bought."

Enquiries to the Association's consumer helpline so far this winter have highlighted that many homeowners:

• Are not aware that their buildings policy is likely to pay specified costs of alternative accommodation if their home is so badly damaged that it is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out.



• Mistakenly believe that storm damage to gates and fences is covered.



• Do not realise that they need to maintain their property in good repair, and that their policy will not pay out for damage caused by lack of or poor maintenance.

Buying buildings insurance for your home? What you need to know explains what you need to know when insuring your home, questions you need to ask and information you will be given. Buildings Insurance for Home Owners sets out what policies cover, exclusions and how to calculate the sum insured.

Tony Baker added:

"For most people, their home is their most valuable asset, so making sure that it is adequately protected by buildings insurance is essential. Taking a little time to understand exactly the extent of the cover will mean getting the maximum benefit possible from the policy should disaster strike."

Notes

1. Individual copies of Buying buildings insurance for your home? What you need to know and Buildings Insurance for Home Owners are available, free of charge, by sending an stamped addressed envelope to Public Affairs, Association of British Insurers, 51 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HQ.



2. Broadcast media can play an active role in the drive by taking part in the Buildings Insurance Week between 25th - 29th January. ABI spokespeople are available to give interviews (via ISDN) or take part in phone-ins to help answer listeners' questions and explaining what to look out for when buying general insurance and what policies cover.



3. This latest initiative is part of the Association's campaign "Putting Customers First" to promote good selling of general insurance.



4. For further information, including arranging an interview, please contact:
   
   Malcolm Tarling +44 171-216 7410 (Home +44 020 8297 9510)
   Suzanne Moore +44 171-216 7411