Fire Risks in and Around the Home

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Fire Risks in and Around the Home

Domestic fire risk is best reduced through safe habits, well-maintained equipment and working alarms.

Domestic fire prevention depends on the source of ignition, which is why cooking, electrical faults, chimneys, candles and rechargeable batteries are covered separately here.

Guides in this section

Does Home Insurance Cover a Kitchen Fire?Usually, yes. Fire is normally included in buildings and contents insurance, but the amount paid still depends on the policy limits and the damage caused.Does Home Insurance Cover a Chimney Fire?It usually covers the resulting fire damage, although the insurer can still consider whether the chimney and appliance were being properly maintained.Does Home Insurance Cover an Electrical Fire?Usually. The fire damage may be covered even when the faulty appliance or worn electrical component that caused it is not.Does Home Insurance Cover a Fire Started by a Candle?It can. Fire damage caused accidentally by a candle is normally treated as fire damage, subject to the terms of the policy.Does Home Insurance Cover a Tumble Dryer Fire?Usually, the fire damage can be covered. Replacing a dryer that has simply broken down is a separate issue.Does Home Insurance Cover a Lithium Battery Fire?Home insurance can cover fire damage caused by a battery. An expensive e-bike, tool or battery pack may still be subject to its own contents limit.Does Home Insurance Cover a Barbecue Fire?It can cover damage to the house, but fences, sheds, decking and garden furniture may have different limits or exclusions.

Why this category matters

Each guide focuses on the practical behaviour or maintenance that can reduce ignition risk before discussing insurance.

Fire may be a familiar insured peril, but the condition of equipment, contents limits and alternative-accommodation terms still deserve attention.

Insurance should follow the risk

Once the avoidable problems have been dealt with, compare policies on the parts that genuinely matter for your home. Limits and exclusions can be more important than a small difference in premium.

Choose a guide

The pages above are deliberately specific so that you can read about one risk without having to work through generic home-insurance material.