Britam Home Insurance – The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home and Valuables

What Is Britam Home Insurance?

Britam Home Insurance is a package policy that covers accidental loss or damage to your residential building, household contents, and portable valuables. It also incorporates personal liability protection for you and your household, as well as mandatory cover for domestic servants under the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA). This policy is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing that if an unexpected event occurs, you have financial protection in place to help you recover and rebuild.

Britam’s home insurance can be tailored to cover only your building, only your contents, or both, depending on your needs. The policy is split into several sections, each catering to different insurable interests within your home.

What Does Britam Home Insurance Cover?

Britam Home Insurance is structured as a comprehensive package, with each section addressing a specific aspect of home protection. Here’s a detailed look at each section and its coverage:

1. Residential Buildings

Covers the physical structure of your home, including:

• Landlord’s fixtures and fittings
• Walls, gates, fences, and swimming pools
• All structures on the same premises

Risks covered:

• Fire
• Natural causes (earthquake, storm, lightning)
• Human causes (riot, strike, malicious damage)
• Explosions (e.g., domestic gas cylinders)
• Miscellaneous (bursting and overflowing of water tanks, pipes, impact by vehicles/animals)

2. Household Contents

Covers the contents of your home, such as:

• Furniture, household goods, and personal effects
• Property of the insured or any family member residing with them
• Fixtures and fittings for which you are legally responsible

Risks covered:

• Fire and theft (following forcible entry/exit)
• Natural disasters
• Accidental damage
• Malicious acts and explosions
• Water damage and impact by vehicles/animals

3. All Risks (Portable & Valuable Items)

Covers accidental damage and theft of specified portable items, including:

• Jewelry
• Electronics (mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras)
• Other valuables that are carried outside the home

This section ensures your prized possessions are protected even when you’re on the move.

4. Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) – Domestic Servants

Covers domestic workers (house helps, watchmen, gardeners, drivers) for injury, death, or disease arising out of and during their employment. This is a mandatory cover for all employers under Kenyan law.

5. Employer’s Liability

Indemnifies the insured against liability under common law for injury, death, or disease of domestic workers in the course of employment, up to a limit of KES 500,000.

6. Owner’s Liability

Protects you against legal liability for:

• Accidental bodily injury to third parties
• Accidental loss or damage to third-party property

7. Occupier’s Liability

Covers the home occupier against legal liability for accidental bodily injury or accidental loss/damage to third-party property while at your private dwelling.

Additional Benefits and Unique Features

Britam Home Insurance stands out for its value-added benefits, designed to go beyond standard coverage:

• Cash Back House Painting Loyalty Bonus: Get a house painting bonus if you remain claim-free for three years.
• Premium Discount: Enjoy a 7.5% discount when you pay three years’ premiums in advance.
• Loss of Rent Cover: Compensation for lost rent while your building is under refurbishment after a covered peril.
• Alternative Accommodation: Covers the cost of alternative housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
• Free Medical Expenses: For guests and domestic employees following a peril or animal attack, up to the stated limit.
• Fire Extinguishing Costs: Reimbursement for costs incurred in extinguishing a fire, including fire engine and municipal charges.
• Refrigerator Contents: Compensation for loss or damage to goods in a refrigerator due to breakdown, explosion, or power failure.
• Handbag Benefit: Consolation benefit for loss or damage to handbags during a mugging or smash-and-grab incident.
• Death Benefit: KES 100,000 paid out following a peril.
• Personal Accident Cover: For your family members.
• Trauma Treatment and Spa Experience: Support following a burglary or fire incident.
• Golfers’ Equipment and Liability: Includes cover for golfing equipment, “hole in one” celebrations, caddy’s medical expenses, and third-party liability.

Why Choose Britam Home Insurance?

Britam Home Insurance is a market leader for several reasons:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects your building, contents, valuables, and legal liabilities.
• Flexibility: Choose the sections and sums insured that suit your needs.
• Value-Added Benefits: Loyalty bonuses, alternative accommodation, and more.
• Trusted Brand: Britam is a leading insurer with a strong reputation in Kenya and across Africa.
• Peace of Mind: Know that your home and loved ones are protected against a wide range of risks.

Comparison: Britam Home Insurance vs. Typical Home Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Step by Step Insurance Supports You as an Intermediary

Step by Step Insurance acts as your expert guide and advocate in securing Britam Home Insurance. Here’s how we help:

• Personalized Consultation: We help you assess your property, valuables, and risk profile to tailor the right Britam Home Insurance package for your needs.
• Application Assistance: Our team guides you through paperwork, documentation, and the application process to ensure accuracy and speed.
• Policy Customization: We help you select the right sections, sums insured, and additional benefits.
• Ongoing Support: From policy management to claims, we remain your point of contact for all matters related to your plan.
• Claims Advocacy: In the event of a loss, we assist you in navigating the claims process with Britam, ensuring timely and fair payouts.
• Regular Updates: We keep you informed about policy changes, new benefits, and relevant legal requirements.

By working with Step by Step Insurance, you enjoy a seamless experience, expert advice, and peace of mind knowing your home is fully protected.

Tips for Maximizing Your Britam Home Insurance

• Review Your Policy Annually: Ensure your sums insured reflect the current value of your home and possessions.
• Bundle Covers: Combine building, contents, and all-risks for comprehensive protection.
• Maintain Security: Install locks, alarms, and other security measures to reduce risk and possibly lower premiums.
• Keep Records: Maintain an inventory of valuables and receipts for easier claims processing.
• Stay Claim-Free: Take advantage of loyalty bonuses and discounts for claim-free years.

Real-Life Scenario: Britam Home Insurance in Action

Case Study:

After a major storm, Jane’s home suffers severe water damage, making it uninhabitable. Thanks to Britam Home Insurance, she receives compensation for repairs, alternative accommodation costs, and even reimbursement for spoiled food in her refrigerator. When her house help is injured during the clean-up, the WIBA section covers medical expenses. Jane’s family is able to recover quickly and comfortably, without financial strain.

Conclusion

Britam Home Insurance is a robust, flexible, and customer-centric solution for protecting your home, valuables, and loved ones from life’s uncertainties. With extensive coverage, unique value-added benefits, and the support of a trusted intermediary like Step by Step Insurance, you can enjoy true peace of mind knowing your haven is secure.