Tenant Handbook - moving

Home contents insurance is not included as part of your tenancy agreement.

No matter how careful you are, there’s always the risk of your belongings being damaged, broken or stolen.

Replacing them can prove expensive, so it’s a good idea to take out home contents insurance, either through the scheme we run in partnership with Thistle Tenant Risks or by using another trusted provider.

The Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Home Contents Insurance Scheme is designed for tenants and the premiums can be paid weekly alongside your rent.

The scheme is open to all our tenants, except those who have rent arrears.

What the scheme covers

The low-cost scheme provides cover for the contents of your home against fire, theft, water damage, storms and other hazards, but not accidental damage (except at an additional cost).

Cover can be provided for items such as furniture, carpets, curtains, clothes, bedding, electrical items, jewellery, pictures and ornaments, plus the contents of your freezer and stolen keys.

The scheme also covers damage to the fixtures and fittings in your home which you are responsible for under the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Other benefits include:

• weekly payments alongside your rent
• no excess (you don’t pay the first part of a claim)
• no minimum security requirements
• freezer contents cover
• loss and theft of keys cover
• cover for contents in the open, in sheds and in garages as standard
• tenant responsibility and improvements cover

The cost and paying premiums

The cost of your premiums will be based on the value of the contents you would like covered.

Premiums are charged on a weekly basis and can be paid with your rent.

All premiums include Insurance Premium Tax at the current rate.

Starting a policy

1. Download an application form.

2. Complete the application form giving your personal details and the sum insured required.

3. Return your completed form to us.

Your application will be sent to Thistle who will review the information you’ve supplied.

If your application for cover is accepted, you will be sent a welcome letter which will advise you of the amount you need to pay and when the first payment has to be made.

Important information

You must ensure you answer all of the questions on the application form fully, and that your answers are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.

Contact us immediately if there are any inaccuracies or omissions.

Failure to do this will result in your policy being invalid or it will not operate in the event of a claim.

You should keep a copy of all information and correspondence you supply to us in connection with your application.

A copy of your application and supporting information can be supplied on request for a period of three months after its completion.

A copy of the policy wording is available on request.

You are not covered until your application has been accepted by Thistle Tenant Risks.

You must keep your payments up to date or your cover will be invalid.

For more information, see our home insurance pages or contact 01707 357 000.