WEDDING INSURANCE

You've booked the reception, the car and the photographer. You've ordered the flowers, the cake and the dress; found the perfect rings and bought the gifts for your parents, bridesmaids and best man. In fact, most people have spent a good £12,000 by the time their big day arrives.

But it's easy for things to go wrong. Insurers are full of stories about stolen presents, grooms waking up with chicken pox, and 'ruined memories' (though we've yet to find a policy to cover that last problem).

So should you add to your costs by buying insurance? Basically, it's not worth it if you're planning a modest, low-key wedding or if you're just worried about specific items, such as your dress. If you're planning something more spectacular, it can be a sensible option - but there are a couple of cheaper alternatives to consider first.

The cover you already have

It's surprising how much cover people have without realising it. There are two main sources to look at.

Dig out your home insurance

Wedding presents, dresses and rings are covered automatically if your cover limits are high enough. Even if they're too low, you can add items to your policy for an extra premium of just a few pounds - much cheaper than taking out wedding insurance.

Most insurers will increase cover for gifts before and after the wedding as standard (this usually gives an additional 10 per cent contents cover).

Pay with a credit card

If you pay with your credit card, you're entitled to compensation from the credit card provider on anything you've bought for between £100 and £30,000. So in lots of cases there's little point in paying extra to get this from a wedding insurance policy. If your venue went bust, for example, you could claim back any money you had paid it from your credit card provider.

PET INSURANCE

Your cherished pet deserves the best care when it is unwell or in an acident. However, the costs can sometimes be very expensive. You can minimise the problem by taking cover for your pet. Please make sure you are aware of what is covered. Some insurers put in hefty clauses. That said, good pet insurance will help in those times of need.

This web page is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or not make) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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