Great value buildings and contents cover
Buy together and save 10% plus an extra 5% discount when you buy online. (Terms and conditions apply - offer ends 31/08/09)
Get the right quote on your home insurance
To make sure you get the right level of cover for your needs at the best price, we’ve put together some top tips to bear in mind when looking at home insurance quotes.
Following these tips could mean you receive more discounts, and improve the safety and security of your home.
Get the right level of cover
When working out the value of your possessions for a contents insurance quote, try to be as accurate as possible.
Making a guess isn't ideal – underestimate and you won't be fully covered, overestimate and you might pay more than you need to. It's a good idea to make an inventory, then add a little extra for items you may have missed.
Buy Building and Contents together
You often receive a discount for buying your buildings and contents insurance from the same company. For example, choose Virgin Home Insurance contents and buildings cover and save 10%.
(Don’t forget we give you an extra 5% discount if you buy online too.)
Introductory offer. Discounts to be deducted consecutively from your individual premium over the term of the policy. Minimum premiums apply. Offer ends 31/08/09.
Set a voluntary excess
Generally the higher you set your voluntary excess the cheaper your insurance, so check you have yours at the right level. It's important that you can comfortably afford your excess, so don't increase the amount if you would be out of pocket in the event of a claim. And remember there may be a compulsory excess to pay too.
Attention to detail
Try to answer every question accurately and in full when you get a home insurance quote, even if you can’t see the relevance.
Every insurer has different criteria for working out their prices and the extra information could add up to significant savings. For example owning a dog could be seen as an added burglar deterrent, and if you don’t smoke you may be less likely to claim for fire damage.
Secure your home
Burglar alarms, window locks, door locks and outside lights are all great deterrents and will make it harder to break into your home. These security features often result in a cheaper quote too.
If you are contemplating having an alarm installed and need additional advice, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer who will be happy to offer you further guidance.
Cut the cost of living
A great deal with Virgin Home Insurance is just one of the ways you can save money. Here are some more suggestions to drive down your household's outgoings. Plus a selection of ways to make the most of your home, or add value to your property quickly and easily if you're thinking of moving.
Fix that dripping tap
A dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water a year. Getting it fixed could save over £18 a year if you’re on a water meter.
Source: Energy saving trust, 2009
Turn down the thermostat
Turning down your thermostat by 1°C can save up to 10% on your heating bill each year.
Keep radiators clear so the heat can penetrate the room and draw the curtains at night to stop heat escaping.
Source: Act On CO2, 2009
Insulate your home
Although insulating your home may incur a small cost at first, you will soon make the money back, and more, through reduced energy bills.
Start small with draught excluders and a jacket for your water tank. If you can, go all the way with wall and loft insulation too. Insulating your loft could save you over £200 a year.
Source: Energy Saving Trust, 2009
How does your garden grow?
You might not realise that even the layout of your garden can affect your energy bills.
Trees and shrubs can act as natural windbreaks taking the chill off your home in the colder months. But don't let plants block south-facing windows – they let in the most sunlight and can help heat up your house.
Switch off and cash in
If everyone in the UK turned their electrical appliances off at the socket rather than leaving them on standby, together we would save £800 million a year.
Source: Act On CO2, 2009
Get to know your neighbours
Join your local neighbourhood watch scheme – it’s a great way to help build a safer community for everyone and many insurers will take it into account when giving you a quote.
Going on holiday?
Make sure you think about your home security when you’re away – if it's obvious you're not there it may increase your chances of being burgled.
Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and get a friend or family member to clear away your post. You could also put a light on a timer or ask someone to open and close curtains so the house appears occupied.
Update your paintwork
Simply repainting dated and worn surfaces is the easiest and most effective way to freshen-up your home. Painting cupboard doors or a feature wall can give a room a whole new look and feel.
Pay attention to the exterior too – spotless railings, fences and fascias add instant value to your house and create the perfect first impression.
Recover and recycle
If you need some new furniture, see what your local second hand shops have to offer. Many items will be as good as new, or choose vintage pieces for a classic, lived-in look.
If your sofa and chairs are worn but still comfortable, see if they can be recovered or refilled before you consider replacing them.
Make your home as safe as houses
Reducing the risk of damage to your house from fire, water or the weather, may help reduce the cost of your buildings insurance too.
Fit fire alarms and extinguishers throughout the house. Keep your heating systems, wiring and pipes in good working order. Stop loose objects blowing about in the garden and cut down trees if they grow too close to your property for comfort.