How to calculate the right coverage for your home insurance
Home insurance is a fundamental safeguard for homeowners in the United Kingdom. It provides protection against unforeseen events that can
Compare home insurance quotes
- Buildings, contents and combined, find the right insurance for you
- You could save up to £209 [1]
- Enjoy a year of savings from over 300 brands with MoneySpider Premium Rewards when you purchase a policy [2]
Why compare home insurance
Fill in one simple form, compare the quotes from up to 50 UK providers and you could save time and money.
You can compare home insurance from the UK's biggest brands
Compare home insurance in 3 easy steps
Provide information
Enter a few details about what you are looking for.
Compare quotes
Save money by comparing instant quotes online.
Apply online
You can then apply online and your application will be processed directly by the insurance provider.
Do I need home insurance?
While it isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, it is highly recommended for homeowners and strongly advisable for renters. Here’s some reasons why:
- Provides financial protection for your property and your possessions
- Safeguards your belongings
- Provides personal liability coverage
- Financial peace of mind
- Home insurance often includes coverage for alternative accommodation
- Can be tailored to your needs
Types of home insurance
Buildings insurance
This type of insurance covers the structure of your home, including the walls, roof, floors and permanent fixtures like kitchen and bathroom fittings.
Contents insurance
Contents insurance covers your personal belongings inside your home, including furniture, electronics, clothing, jewellery, and other valuables.
Combined insurance
This is a comprehensive policy that combines both buildings and contents insurance.
Tenant insurance
If you're renting a property, this covers your personal possessions against theft, fire, and other risks, but it doesn't cover the building itself.
Landlord insurance
Exclusively for landlords, this provides coverage for the structure of the building and may also include coverage for loss of rental income, liability protection, and contents (if you are renting a furnished property).
High-value home insurance
This type of insurance is designed for homes with higher values and includes coverage for high-value items such as art, antiques, and jewellery.
What does home insurance cover?
- Covered
-
Fire Damage
Covers destruction or loss caused by fire or smoke. -
Storms and flooding
Protects your home against weather-related damage from heavy rain, wind, or flooding. -
Subsidence, landslips, or heave
Covers structural damage due to ground movement beneath your property. -
Falling trees and branches
Insurance covers damage caused by trees or large branches falling onto your home. -
Theft and malicious damage
Protects against burglary or intentional damage to your property. -
Leaking water tanks and pipes
Covers damage from unexpected water leaks inside the home. -
Oil leaks from heating systems
Includes damage caused by leaking oil from domestic heating systems. -
Impact from an aircraft, vehicle, or animal
Covers damage from unexpected collisions with your home.
- Not covered
-
General wear and tear over time
Gradual deterioration from age or regular use isn’t covered. -
Damage resulting from lack of maintenance
Issues caused by neglect or failure to upkeep the property are excluded. -
Damage from DIY or poor workmanship
Faults or damage due to unprofessional repairs aren’t typically covered. -
Intentional damage caused by the policyholder
Insurance won’t pay for damage you cause on purpose. -
Damage from pests and pets
Harm caused by vermin or household animals is usually not included. -
Unoccupied properties
Extended periods of vacancy can void certain parts of your cover. -
Some insurers exclude gardens, fences, hedges or gates of a property
External features may be excluded unless specified in your policy.
Your optional extras
Home insurance providers often offer optional extras—also called add-ons or endorsements—that let you tailor your policy to better match your specific home and lifestyle needs. These may include:
Accidental damage cover
Home emergency cover
Alternative accommodation cover
Bicycle cover
Legal costs cover
Personal possessions cover
Outbuildings insurance
What affects the cost of home insurance?
The cost of home insurance in the UK is influenced by various factors, and insurance providers consider these factors when calculating premiums. Key factors that can affect the cost of home insurance in the UK include type of coverage, property location, value, age and condition, security measures, claims history and your age, occupation and lifestyle.
FAQ
Need more help?
Is home insurance more expensive for older properties?
Older properties may have higher insurance premiums because they can be more susceptible to damage. However, factors like location and the condition of the property also play a role.
Can I change my home insurance policy if my circumstances change?
You can usually make changes to your home insurance policy. If your circumstances change, such as home renovations or acquiring valuable items, contact your insurer to update your coverage accordingly.
Do I need home insurance if I'm renting a property?
While you don’t need buildings insurance if you’re a tenant, it’s advisable to have contents insurance to protect your personal belongings. Landlords may also require tenants to have insurance.
What should I do if I need to make a claim on my home insurance policy?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide all necessary information and documentation, such as photos and receipts, to support your claim.
Can I cancel my home insurance policy at any time?
You can usually cancel your policy, but there may be cancellation fees or terms and conditions to consider. It’s important to review your policy’s cancellation policy and check with your insurer.
Helpful guides & articles
Understanding home insurance deductibles and their impact
Home insurance, often referred to as home contents insurance or building insurance, is a crucial safeguard for homeowners in the
How you could save money on your home insurance
Home insurance provides valuable protection for your property and belongings, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price
