Defining lifestyles: Secure your home against any disasters #AD

By Faith Muriungi 

A home is a sanctuary, a place where we invest time and resources to ensure that at the end of the day, we return to comfort and relaxation, and peace to rejuvenate in readiness for a new day. From entertainment systems to essential appliances, furniture and utilities that make daily life easier, our homes often house our most valuable possessions, including important documents.

Given this reality, safeguarding what matters most should be a priority.

When disaster strikes, there are two possibilities — either you are among those who have taken precaution through home insurance, or you face the financial burden of possibly replacing all your valuable assets.

Domestic insurance protects against risks such as theft, accidents that may occur within your residential premises, flooding, and vandalism. This insurance cover protects a private residence and safeguards living spaces and belongings.

The cover also protects workers in the home in case of accidental injury at residential premises offering a wholistic solution to home owners.

How does domestic insurance work?

Comprehensive home insurance covers the structure and household contents, while specific policies such as burglary insurance, focus on theft-related risks. Some insurers also offer add-ons such as providing alternative accommodation if the home becomes unfit for occupation. 

With the rising demand for home ownership and rental properties, domestic insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding households against unforeseen financial setbacks.

Thanks to advancements in technology, leading insurers like CIC Group have developed domestic insurance products that are flexible and customisable to fit the unique needs of homeowners and tenants.

These policies allow customers to tailor their coverage based on the value of their home contents, personal risks, and even specific lifestyle needs.

For example, some insurers provide options to cover high-value electronics, jewellery, or specialised home installations, ensuring that policyholders only pay for what they need while enjoying comprehensive protection.

Additionally, domestic workers—such as housekeepers, gardeners, and nannies—can also benefit from coverage against work-related injuries, helping to safeguard both employers and employees.

The CIC Domestic Package is a well-rounded insurance plan designed to provide financial security against a range of risks.

Beyond covering loss or damage to property caused by fire, theft, floods, or accidental damage, it includes additional benefits that enhance its value.

These include covering the cost of fire brigade services, debris removal after an incident, and compensation for lost rental income if a rented property becomes uninhabitable. Displaced homeowners can also receive financial support for alternative accommodation, ensuring minimal disruption to their lives.

Another important feature is a public liability cover in case of accidental injury by a third party such us guests or neighbours visiting the premise.

The package reflects the broader landscape of home insurance in Kenya, showcasing the diverse range of items and risks that can be insured to offer peace of mind and stability in the face of unforeseen events.

It shows that insuring a home is not just protecting the four walls that encompass it. It safeguards your lifestyle, security and future.

The Writer is the Senior Manager Underwriting at CIC General  Insurance LTD