We’ve partnered with The Mortgage Brain and Aviva to create Foster Shield, a home insurance policy designed specifically for the realities of fostering. It provides the protection and peace of mind carers deserve, without forcing impossible choices.
Foster carers open their homes and hearts to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. But despite the invaluable role they play, many foster carers face unexpected and frustrating barriers when it comes to something as everyday as home insurance.
Standard home insurance policies will only cover "accidental" damage in the home. Foster Shield steps out of ordinary and includes additional cover for damage* caused by foster children. One common issue is how standard home insurance policies treat damage caused by a fostered child or young person.
In many cases, in order to make a claim, insurers require a crime reference number - effectively meaning the carer must report the child to the police for the damage* in order to be reimbursed. This puts foster carers in an impossible position: either face financial loss or criminalise a child in their care.
Understandably, most carers find this approach completely inappropriate, especially in cases involving children with complex trauma or behavioural needs. We've listened to our members and understand the challenges this creates.
That's why we've worked in partnership with The Mortgage Brain and Aviva to offer a home insurance product designed specifically for foster carers.
This specialist policy recognises the unique circumstances of fostering and has a designated claims process to assess the need for this on a case by case basis. With Foster Shield fostered children are recognised as part of the family and the policy treats them as such covering their belongings fully under the policy as they would with any other resident.
The policy covers up to 6 children in the home and there is not a need to provide names or ages of the children. This is more than just a policy - it's a practical expression of our commitment to supporting foster carers in every aspect of their role. We believe no carer should be penalised for doing the right thing, and no child should be unnecessarily criminalised due to circumstances beyond their control.
To get a quote or find out more, contact The Mortgage Brain directly on 0333 340 8899 and let them know you're a member of The Fostering Network.
You can finally have peace of mind knowing your home - and your foster family - are covered.
Book an appointment now, or if you want to wait until your home insurance is due for renewal, book a renewal reminder.
*Please speak to a member of The Mortgage Brain team for full details of the damage coverage and definition, alternatively, you can refer to the full policy documentation and the foster endorsement wording.