Sainsbury's Bank home insurance

Sainsbury’s home insurance was underwritten by a selected panel of insurers, rather than one company across every policy. The name of the insurer responsible for an existing policy is shown in the Policy Schedule.

Sainsbury’s is no longer accepting new home insurance applications, although existing policies remain valid until they end. Home emergency cover is provided separately by Collinson Insurance, a trading name of Astrenska Insurance Limited.

Yes, existing customers may pay through monthly instalments, although interest is added to the overall cost. Administration charges may also apply if payments are missed or certain changes are made to the policy.

Yes, buildings insurance covers damage caused by subsidence or heave of the land beneath the property, as well as landslip. Contents can also be covered when damaged by the same ground movement.

It doesn’t cover normal settlement, shrinkage or expansion, coastal or riverbank erosion, or damage arising from construction, structural alterations, defective materials or poor workmanship. Garages and other structures may only be covered when the main home is damaged at the same time.

Home emergency cover is included with Home Plus and was available as an optional extra with the standard Home policy. It covers emergencies including internal electrical failures, plumbing and drainage problems, security risks, pests and complete failure of the main heating or hot-water system.

Cover provides up to £1,000 per accepted claim for callout costs, labour, parts and materials, plus up to £250 for alternative accommodation. If an eligible boiler is beyond economical repair, the policy can contribute up to £500 towards a replacement, rather than paying the full cost.

Belongings away from home are only covered when optional personal possessions protection is shown in the Policy Schedule. It covers theft, accidental loss and accidental damage in the UK and during trips abroad lasting fewer than 60 consecutive days.

Mobile phones and bicycles can also be included, although individual limits, an excess and security conditions apply. Standard contents insurance still provides some limited cover for belongings temporarily removed from the home and for students living elsewhere in the UK.

Yes, contents insurance includes up to £2,000 of garden contents cover, including plants, patio furniture, children’s play equipment and other outdoor belongings. Individual trees, shrubs and plants are covered up to £500 each against specified events such as fire, vandalism and theft.

Garages and domestic outbuildings form part of the insured home, although the maximum paid for theft of contents from them is shown in the Policy Schedule. Theft from an unlocked garage, shed or outbuilding isn’t covered, while belongings left outside are excluded from storm and flood claims.

The amount depends on the policy and type of claim, so the definitive figures are shown in the Policy Schedule. Compulsory and voluntary excesses may both apply, while accidental damage, personal possessions, escape-of-water and subsidence claims can have different amounts.

When one incident results in a claim under both buildings and contents cover, only one excess is charged - whichever applicable excess is highest.