b'words: Mary Searlehard truth picture: istockare youcovered?The house burns down due to an electrical fault, a storm takes off the roof or a pipe bursts while youre on holiday. Does your insurance policy cover such things? It might not.Home insurance. Its one of those phrases that may makebut he says its vital to ensure you maintain your home. If you cringepremium payments, forms, claims, excess.you have a leak that is left unrepaired for years and the But one thing is for sure, you need it. And not just thehouse incurs gradual damage as a result, this will not be bareminimumenoughtoreplaceyourhomeandcovered by your policy.everything in it. Also, if the wiring of your old villa hasnt been upgraded There are always different options to consider when yourefor years and causes are, you may not be covered. This purchasing insurance. Dont scrimp on the research or theis a very grey area where no two cases will ever be the premium or you maynd there are some circumstancessame. Essentially, it is about knowledge and intentif for which you are not covered. you knew the wiring was dodgy, then your insurer may not cover anyre it causes. Acts of Godthis is an old term meaning unforeseenOr if you know that the gum tree in the back garden has 1 events that could not be attributed to a person who could then be held liable for the damage caused. A stormunstable roots, do nothing about it and then it falls on the could be considered an Act of God but nowadays insurancehouse, your insurer is within their rights to reject a claim. policies can cover damage caused by a speci c event such3 Bewarewhenrenovating.Anotherpitfallhome-as a storm or unforeseen and accidental damage caused byowners can fall into are when changes are made to wind, rain or trees blowing into your house.the house. You should always notify your insurer if youre InsuranceCouncilofNewZealand,saysyourundertaking renovationsespecially if theyre structural. Escapade2 Maintainyourhouse.ChrisRyan,CEOoftheVet your guests. Chris Ryan also points out thatResene insurance will cover you for all sorts of accidental damage,4 damagewroughtbypeoplelawfullyonyourResene Midwinter Mist| 53'