How do you choose the right insurance?

Start with the risk

What can you not carry yourself? That is the question that determines what you insure, not what is on offer.

Work it through: what would a scenario cost you and how likely is it? Rare and unaffordable you insure; frequent and affordable you carry yourself.

Then look at the conditions

The exclusions determine what you do not get, and that is where disappointment arises. Compare on those, not on the premium line.

Please note sub-limits per category, the excess and the clauses on your policy schedule — conditions you have to meet yourself.

Check the sums insured

With home contents at replacement value, for buildings at rebuild value, for liability on what could happen and not on your size.

A guarantee against underinsurance prevents a proportionately lower payout.

What you do after that

Review periodically. Cover that was once right does not automatically stay right; moving house, moving in together, refurbishment or a new car change your situation and sometimes your duty to disclose.