American Express launches household insurance

Financial service provider American Express has launched a new household insurance product which it claims offers “unrivalled service levels” through a panel of 14 insurers.

The package offers new for old cover which will replace items that are stolen or damaged with a replacement, although some items such as clothes and linen may be excluded.

Home emergency assistance is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with call out charges, labour and parts covered up to £300.

Incidents such as central heating failure, lost keys, vermin problems and external glazing issues are all covered and will normally be attended to within two hours.

Family legal protection is also incorporated with up to £50,000 of legal costs covered, as well as a legal helpline for private problems such as damages or accidents that occur in the home.

“We are delighted to be able to offer customers household cover in addition to motor and travel insurance,” said Joanne Field, marketing manager for American Express insurance services.

“With a large panel of insurers, one phone call or visit to our website can take the hard work out of buying household insurance – we do the shopping around instead of the customer and find them the best quote for their needs.”

Discounts are available with this new package for customers who are members of neighbourhood watch schemes or already have smoke or burglar alarms installed, as well as a possible five per cent saving for those who purchase online.