Home Insurance

Home Insurance

Home insurance or Domestic Package insurance is simply the protection of property in your home against theft, damage, fire, floods and natural disasters.

Is home insurance for me?

Are you renting a house? Do you live in your own home? Are you a landlord?
Then yes, home insurance is for you.

Why should I consider taking home insurance?

Many Kenyans put a lot of time and resources into their homes whether they’re building, buying or furnishing a rented house. These costly investments can be wiped out in just a matter of minutes causing untold financial strain.

What does home insurance cover?

Home insurance combines insurance for;

• The home [building or structure].
• Household contents [electronics, furniture, clothes, equipment, art work etc.].
• Portable items that you own whether they are in or outside of the house [mobile phone, watch, spectacles, laptop, camera, jewelry, golf clubs etc.].
• The cover can also be extended to cover liabilities against domestic workers and third parties.

What is the average cost of home insurance?

Home insurance is sold as a package that has five sections, A to E. We will look at Sections A to C which are the most common.

1] Section A – Cover for the Structure

This could be for a family home, or a block of flats.

For example, if the value of the house is Ksh3 million, the annual premium will approximately be Ksh3,000 depending on the insurer.

2] Section B – Cover for the household contents

This includes electronics, furniture, clothes, art work and equipment, etc.

For example, if the value of the household contents is Ksh300,000 the annual premium will approximately be Ksh2,000.00 depending on the insurer.

3] Section C – All risks [outdoor]

This covers portable valuable items such as mobile phone, watch, spectacles, laptop, camera, jewelry, golf clubs etc.

For example, if the value of the items is Ksh100,000 the annual premium will approximately be Ksh750 depending on the insurer.

What are the steps to sign up for home insurance?

Develop an inventory of all the items in your house including their value. This will give you an idea of the total value of the contents.
Contact Sumac Insurance Agency Limited for the best deal from insurance companies offering home insurance and consider the terms and conditions carefully before making a decision.
Fill in the required forms, pay the premium and you will be successfully insured.

Why is it important to take an inventory before purchasing Home Insurance?

A home inventory is a list of all the things in your house and it is important to record the serial numbers of the major appliances and keep the receipts and user manuals safely. Having an updated home inventory will help you insure the correct value of valuables and get your insurance claim settled faster. Kindly note that when insuring the building/structure, a valuation report will be helpful in determining the value and therefore the premium.

How often should I review my policy?

Home insurance is an annual cover, however, if during the year you make improvements to your home such as fire or burglar alarm systems, you should inform your insurance company. This is because you may need additional cover if there is a change in the value of your home or its contents.

Reminder

Remain watchful and put security measures in place to safeguard your property by closing windows and doors, and if possible, you could install security lights and security cameras. Note that when you are away from your house for more than 7 days, it is important to inform your insurer.