Accidental damage, with regards to your home contents insurance, is damage resulting from a non-deliberate and unexpected external action. So, it’s basically an unintended incident that harms the contents of your home. There are, of course, exclusions. You cannot, for instance, claim for gradual wear, simple mechanical failure, or damage done by your pets (by chewing, for example).
It is also worth bearing in mind that accidental damage cover usually needs to be added on to a standard home insurance policy because not all insurers offer it as standard. This will mean you pay a little more if you do add it.
You can usually claim accidental damages as the result of the actions of young children (even if they’re just visiting). Claims for electronic equipment frequently involve young children. However, be aware that portable electronic equipment (like your laptop) and clothing may well be excluded, so toddler drool that ruins your laptop may not be covered (check the policy wording before buying to see what your accidental damage policy covers), and possibly nor will the masterpiece drawn in magic marker on to your expensive leather jacket.
Many accidental damage sections of home insurance do not cover for damage caused by infestation, vermin, or insects, though squirrel damage is frequently covered. When it comes to DIY accidents, sometimes you’re covered, and sometimes you’re not. If you’re doing something simple like hanging up a picture and manage to puncture a water pipe with a nail, you’ll probably be covered. But if you create a DIY disaster trying to replumb your own bathroom, you probably won’t be.
Qualifying accidental damages are basically the ones that could not be reasonably predicted, though of course, you’ll have to read the fine print when comparing home insurance quotes to be certain of what’s covered.
