What does 'All Risks Cover' mean in home Insurance?

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At a glance

All-risks means cover applies unless a specific exclusion in your policy blocks it It protects against sudden, accidental loss or damage, not gradual wear and tear Rivr adds high inner limits, worldwide contents cover, and premium extras as standard

What all-risks actually means

All-risks insurance doesn't mean everything is covered.

The name is misleading.

What it actually does: protects your home and belongings against sudden, unforeseen physical loss or damage that isn't specifically excluded in your policy.

This is the opposite of "named perils" insurance, which only covers events explicitly listed (fire, theft, storm damage). With all-risks, you don't need to prove your claim fits a specific scenario. The insurer must demonstrate that an exclusion applies.

For high-value homes and collections, this approach makes more sense.

How all-risks cover works

The key principle: cover unless excluded.

Named perils policies only protect you if your claim matches a listed event. Drop your laptop? Not on the list. Paint spill on your Persian rug? Not covered.

All-risks flips this. You're covered for loss or damage unless the policy explicitly excludes it. The burden of proof shifts to the insurer.

Examples:

• Laptop knocked off the table: Covered (sudden, accidental damage)
• Laptop worn out after five years: Not covered (wear and tear exclusion)

This gives you room for the unpredictable.

What Rivr's all-risks policy covers

Rivr's policy is built for people who own high-value homes and collections that standard insurers struggle to cover properly.

Buildings (if applicable)

Your home's physical structure, plus:

• Outbuildings, fixtures, fitted kitchens, bathrooms
• Paths, gates, fences, walls, solar panels
• Alternative accommodation for up to 36 months if your home becomes uninhabitable (far longer than most standard policies)

Premium extensions included as standard:

• Trace and access for hidden leaks
• Emergency access (if emergency services damage your property to save life or property)
• Tree removal (fallen trees blocking access)
• Garden restoration (up to £10,000 if damaged by an insured event)

Contents: worldwide coverage

Your belongings are covered anywhere in the world. Not just at home.

This includes:

• Personal belongings, fine art, antiques, jewellery
• Home office equipment (up to £20,000)
• Outdoor items (furniture, sculptures)
• Pedal cycles
• Money (up to £5,000)

Limits for unspecified items:

• Fine art and antiques: £25,000 per item
• Jewellery and watches: £25,000 per item
• Outdoor items: £2,500 per item

If you own items above these limits, you can specify them for full cover.

Your liabilities

You're protected with:

• Property owner liability: £5 million
• Personal liability: £5 million
• Employer's liability (for domestic staff): £10 million

What Rivr's all-risks insurance doesn't cover

All-risks is broad, but it isn't unlimited.

Exclusions:

• Wear and tear: Gradual deterioration, rot, mould, vermin damage
• Unoccupied homes: If your home is vacant for more than 45 consecutive days, you lose cover for accidental damage, theft, and vandalism
• Building works over £100,000 (unless you've told us in advance)
• Mechanical or electrical breakdown: If your boiler fails without external damage, it's not covered (though our property emergency cover can help)
• Subsidence to fences, paths, or solid floors (unless the main building is affected too)
• Items left in unattended vehicles (unless hidden from view and the vehicle is locked with forced entry)

What makes Rivr's all-risks policy different?

Standard home insurance is built for standard homes. Rivr's policy is designed for people who own high-value properties or collections.

Breadth of coverage

Unlike named perils policies, you're protected for scenarios you didn't anticipate. Worldwide contents cover means your valuables are insured whether they're at home or abroad.

High inner limits

Many insurers cap unspecified fine art and jewellery at £5,000 to £10,000 per item. Rivr's limits: £25,000 per item. You can specify higher-value pieces individually for full cover.

Premium features (included as standard)

• Market appreciation cover: If your fine art or antiques increase in value, the insurer will cover up to 150% of the last valuation (if valued within the past 36 months)
• Alternative accommodation for 3 years: Many standard policies cap this at 12 to 24 months
• Property emergency cover: 24/7 helpline, up to £1,500 for burst pipes, pests, and boiler breakdowns*
• Legal expenses cover: Up to £100,000 for employment or consumer disputes

*Subject to policy terms and conditions. See full policy wording for details.

Who all-risks cover is for

This type of policy works best for:

• High-value homeowners: Rebuild costs over £500,000 or contents over £100,000
• Collectors: Fine art, antiques, jewellery, wine, classic cars
• Frequent travellers: Worldwide contents cover means your valuables are protected on the move
• Anyone who wants fewer gaps: No need to worry if your claim fits a predefined list

How to get the most from your all-risks policy

1. Maintain accurate sums insured

Rebuilding cost does not equal market value. Use a RICS surveyor to calculate the true rebuild cost, not your property's sale price.

2. Specify high-value items

If you own fine art, jewellery, or antiques worth more than £25,000 each, specify them individually for full cover.

3. Keep receipts and valuations

In the event of a claim, these documents speed up the process. The Financial Conduct Authority recommends keeping records of all high-value purchases.

4. Notify significant changes within 14 days

This includes moving home, building works over £100,000, or periods of unoccupancy. Failing to notify us could affect your cover.

5. Service your boiler annually

Property emergency cover won't apply to unserviced boilers. Keep it maintained.

Common questions

Does all-risks cover everything? No. Exclusions apply, particularly wear and tear, unoccupied homes, and mechanical breakdown.

Is my laptop covered if I drop it? Yes, if it's sudden and accidental (and not excluded under another clause).

Are outdoor plants covered? Yes, if damaged by fire, vandalism, or theft (up to £10,000). Frost damage is excluded unless the main building is also affected at the same time.

What if I'm on holiday? Your contents are covered worldwide.

Ready to explore all-risks cover?

If you own a high-value home or collection, standard insurance policies often fall short. Rivr's all-risks policy is designed to give you the breadth and flexibility you need.

Get a no-obligation quote or contact our team to find out if this policy meets your needs.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Rivr Cover Limited is not advising you that this product is suitable for your needs. You should consider whether the policy meets your individual requirements before purchasing.

Before purchasing, please read the full Policy Wording, Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), and Terms of Business.