Carpets aren't cheap, and that's before you factor in the drama of red wine spills or muddy paw prints. Let's see if your home insurance has you covered.
Is my carpet covered by home or contents insurance?
In most cases, your carpets will be covered by contents insurance, not buildings insurance.
That’s because they’re not seen as a permanent part of the property. You can lift them up and replace them without knocking down any walls or ripping up the floor.
It’s a bit different for things like wood, laminate or tiled flooring, which are usually fixed in place. Those tend to fall under buildings insurance because it's hard to remove them without damaging the structure underneath.
Can you claim for carpet on home contents insurance?
Yes, you should be able to, as long as the damage is something your policy covers.
The claims process is usually the same as making any other contents claim, and most insurers let you do it online or over the phone.
Before you dive in, have a quick look at your policy details so you know exactly what's included. It saves you the hassle of starting a claim only to find out it's not covered.
What types of carpet are covered by contents insurance?
Most standard contents insurance will cover fitted carpets. Your policy might also include other floor coverings, like:
- Floor rugs - usually covered, though you might need extra cover for antique or high-value ones.
- Mats - no matter the size, they can still be included in your contents policy.
- Runners - these are the long rugs typically found in corridors or hallways.
It's worth checking your policy documents so you know exactly what's included before you ever need to claim.
What type of carpet damage is covered?
Carpets take a lot of wear and tear, but not every mishap will be covered.
Let’s run through a few common accidents to see how your home insurance might treat them.
Red wine spill
Red wine and a friend who talks with their hands. You know where this is going...right onto your lovely carpet. Whether you're covered depends on if you've got accidental damage in your home insurance policy. Without it, insurers might class this as wear and tear, meaning you'll be left to sort it out yourself.
Accidental damage isn't usually covered as standard, so it's worth checking if you've got it or adding it on - especially if you're the go-to host for parties, Sunday roasts or the odd family BBQ.
Pet damage
Adorable? Absolutely. But one bout of zoomies later and there's mud ground into your cream carpet. Standard home insurance doesn't usually cover damage caused by pets, even if you have accidental damage included. That means muddy paw prints or a knocked-over cuppa are normally yours to sort out.
If this is important to you, hunt out a policy that specifically includes pet damage - they're out there, but not usually the norm.
Building work
Home improvements can be exciting, but they're not always kind to carpets. A dropped paint tin, a splash of plaster or dusty work boots through the hall can leave lasting marks. If you've got accidental damage cover, your policy should step in.
And here's a pro tip: before the work starts, make sure your builders have liability insurance. If they damage your carpet (or anything else), it could be their policy - not yours - footing the cost.
Damage by children
Juice knocked over mid-cartwheel, biscuit crumbs trodden in during TV time, or a rainbow of felt-tip artwork that won't wash out. Kids and carpets don't always mix.
If your policy includes accidental damage cover, these kinds of accidents are often covered. It's not usually standard, so if you've got little ones (or lively visiting nieces and nephews), adding it on could save a lot of hassle - because let's face it, accidents are a part of family life.
Water damage from a burst pipe
A pipe bursts, your carpet's soaked and you're suddenly very aware of how much you liked your flooring. The good news? This is usually covered under standard home insurance. Accidental damage from things like burst pipes or leaks from fixed appliances usually falls under the main policy, not just accidental damage.
That said, policies can have conditions, like taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing in the winter. So it's always worth giving your docs a quick read to avoid surprises.
Burn marks from hair straighteners
One quick "I'll just pop them down for a sec" and bam - scorch mark. If you've got accidental damage cover, this kind of mishap is normally included. Without it, you'll likely be covering the cost yourself.
If you straighten your hair most days or live with someone thats does, it's worth considering this add-on if you don't have it already. And remember: insurers expect you to take reasonable care of your stuff, so "I left them on all day while I was out" might not fly on a claim.
Is it worth claiming for carpet damage on my home insurance policy?
If repairs or replacements cost more than your excess, a claim could make sense. But if it’s cheaper to fix yourself, or your carpet’s already on borrowed time, you might want to save your claim for another day.
Bear in mind, some insurers offer a no-claims discount. Making a claim could mean losing it and paying more at renewal. Always weigh up the repair cost, your excess and the knock-on effect on your premium before you decide.
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