THE SHORT ANSWER
Home insurance covers more than the belongings in your home. It normally also includes liability, legal expenses, assault and travel cover. Each part applies to different events and has its own terms.
The presence of a type of cover does not mean every event or amount is included. Start with your current policy document, then read the section relevant to your question. A name such as Large or Plus does not mean the same thing at every insurer. [1][2]
Keep these points in mind
- Distinguish the different parts of the policy.
- Read each limit alongside its exclusions.
- Missing information is something to check.
STEP BY STEP
How to check your cover
Check the home and the people insured
Check the address, type of home and people the policy applies to. Read the period on the policy document. If you have moved or started living with someone, ask the insurer to confirm that the details are still correct. An older document may describe an earlier situation.
[2]Find the limit for your belongings
Look for contents, the sum insured and any specific maximum amounts. A total is not necessarily the limit for each bicycle, item of jewellery or possession outside the home. Also note the excess and how age affects valuation. This makes the comparison more useful than the total alone.
[3]Read the other four parts
Liability cover applies to certain claims for damages against you. Legal expenses cover can pay legal representation costs in certain disputes. Assault cover applies to specified crimes. Travel cover can help with events such as an acute illness while travelling. Note the clause, maximum amount and excess for each part so they are not confused.
[1]Separate basic cover from optional additions
Read which additions are actually listed in your policy document. All-risk cover and identity protection are not automatically missing protection needs simply because they are not included. If you own a tenant-owned apartment or a house, however, check which parts of the building you are responsible for and where they are insured.
[2]
One policy, different conditions
Legal expenses cover may require you to have been insured for a certain length of time. Travel cover has a maximum trip length. Seeing a single amount is therefore not enough to consider the whole home policy reviewed.
[1]See the information alongside its source
In My Forsio, you can open a policy and see the information available in your documents. When a question concerns an incident, Claim check Beta can help you read relevant information within its supported areas. The insurer assesses the claim and decides on compensation.
Fictional example
One total does not answer every question.
Three details in the same home policy.
- Belongings in the home
- 1 000 000 kr
- Travel cover
- 45 days
- Legal expenses limit
- Unverified
The legal expenses limit needs checking. A missing figure does not show that all legal expenses cover is missing.
Common questions
Is home insurance legally required?
No. There is no general legal requirement to have home insurance in Sweden. This distinguishes it from motor third-party insurance for a vehicle that must be insured. The risks associated with your home are still a separate question. [2]
Is home insurance also accident insurance?
It is not general accident insurance. Certain events may fall under travel or assault cover, for example. Read that part separately and check any separate accident policy. [2]
MY FORSIO
Start with the policies you already have.
Bring your documents together in My Forsio and see what the information shows. Free for individuals.
Sources and references
Sources checked
This guide explains general principles of Swedish insurance. Your policy schedule and terms set out what applies to you.