SHORT DESCRIPTION OF A DOMESTIC POLICY

Usually referred to as PERSONAL LINES insurance, this covers private assets such as dwellings, household goods, valuables that are taken away from the home regularly such as laptops, cellphones, bicycles, jewellery and vehicles used for social purposes, including to and from work. Limited business use of vehicles, for instance calling on a client say twice a week can also be covered. The cover comprises –

[a] damages to dwellings due to fire, storm, flood;
[b] damage or loss of household goods due to fire, storm, flood or theft;
[c] loss of, or damage to valuables away from home;
[d] damage to or theft of vehicles;
[e] the insured is also indemnified against claims made by the public in case the driving of the insured car causes damage to another car; and
[f] the insurer indemnifies the policy holder against claims which a member of the public may make against the policy holder, in case the policy holder should be the cause of damage or injury to a member of the public. However, damages or injuries caused in the course of one’s profession is not covered in terms of a personal lines policy.

Usually one or more or all of the above sections can be taken up and emergency roadside assistance following mechanical breakdown or a flat tyre is included.