What your Aviva (home insurance) contract says

In short

This is a home insurance policy from Aviva, one of the UK's largest insurers. It covers buildings insurance (the structure of your home) and/or contents insurance (your belongings). You pay an annual premium, either in one go or monthly. If something goes wrong (fire, flood, theft, storm damage) you make a claim and Aviva pays for the repairs or replacement, minus any excess. Aviva is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your premium on time, either annually or by monthly instalments.
• You must answer all questions honestly and disclose anything that could affect your cover (duty of fair presentation).
• You must take reasonable steps to prevent loss or damage (e.g., lock doors, maintain your property).
• You must tell Aviva about any changes to your circumstances (new extension, working from home, lodgers).

What you can ask for

• You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your policy documents and get a full refund.
• You can cancel at any time after the cooling-off period, with a pro-rata refund minus admin fees.
• You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if Aviva does not resolve your complaint.
• You are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if Aviva goes bust.

Points worth knowing

• Excess applies to every claimYou pay a compulsory excess plus any voluntary excess you chose when you took out the policy. For subsidence claims the excess is typically £1,000. This means small claims may not be worth making.
• Underinsurance reduces your payoutIf you insure your home or contents for less than their full value, Aviva can reduce your claim payout proportionally. Make sure your sums insured are accurate.
• Premium may increase at renewalAviva can increase your premium when your policy renews. Under FCA rules they must show last year's price, but the new price could still be significantly higher.
• Exclusions limit what is coveredStandard policies exclude wear and tear, gradual deterioration, defective design, and damage from pets. Flood cover may be limited in high-risk areas.

Dates and deadlines

Annual premium payment

Due at the start of each policy year, or monthly if paying by instalments

Cooling-off period

14 days from receiving your policy documents (cancel for a full refund)

Annual renewal

Aviva will write to you at least 21 days before renewal with your new price and terms