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
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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
If you are a landlord, you can purchase landlord insurance, which 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
Damage
Damage to the structure of your home.
Events
Events like fire, flood, storm damage, vandalism and subsidence.
Repair
Rebuilding or repair costs, including labour and materials.
Personal belongings
Theft, damage, or loss of possessions due to covered events like burglary, fire and water damage.
Temporary accommodation
Coverage for the cost of temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
- Not covered
Wear and tear
Wear and tear, aging, or lack of maintenance.
Events
Events such as earthquakes, landslides, accidental damage or acts of terrorism.
High value items
Any high value items that you own may not be covered in your policy.
Failure to disclose
Failure to disclose accurate and relevant information may lead to claims being denied.
Business
If you run a business from your home, you may need separate business insurance to cover your business-related equipment and liabilities.
Subletting
If you're subletting a portion of your property, standard home insurance may not cover certain risks associated with subletting.
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.
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