Home insurance

What home insurance do I need?

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home and contents insurance covers your belongings. Homeowners with a mortgage are usually required by their lender to have buildings cover, while renters normally only need contents cover because the landlord insures the building.

  • Buildings cover is based on rebuild cost, not market value
  • Contents cover protects your belongings
  • You can buy them separately or combined
  • Check limits on single high-value items

Last reviewed October 2026

Buildings vs contents

Buildings insurance covers the structure — walls, roof, floors and permanent fixtures such as fitted kitchens and bathrooms — against risks like fire, flood, storm and subsidence. Contents insurance covers things you'd take with you if you moved: furniture, electronics, clothes and valuables.

Combined policies cover both and can be simpler to manage, but buying them separately is also possible.

Getting the sums insured right

The buildings sum insured should reflect the cost of rebuilding your home, which is often different from what it would sell for. For contents, add up the cost of replacing everything you own — under-insuring can mean a claim is reduced in proportion.

Most policies have a limit for any single item, so valuable items like jewellery or bikes may need to be listed separately.

Things to check before you buy

  • Whether accidental damage is included or an optional extra
  • The excess, including any separate excess for escape of water or subsidence
  • Cover for belongings taken out of the home
  • Rules on leaving the property unoccupied for long periods
  • Whether alternative accommodation is covered if you can't live at home

Common questions

Is home insurance compulsory?

It isn't a legal requirement, but mortgage lenders usually make buildings insurance a condition of the loan. Contents insurance is optional.

Do tenants need home insurance?

Tenants don't normally need buildings insurance, as that's the landlord's responsibility, but contents insurance covers your own belongings, which the landlord's policy won't.

What is accidental damage cover?

It covers sudden, unintended damage — like spilling paint on a carpet or putting a foot through the ceiling. It's included on some policies and an add-on on others.

Can I be charged more for renewing home insurance?

Since January 2022, FCA rules stop insurers quoting renewing customers more than an equivalent new customer through the same channel. Comparing other insurers at renewal is still worthwhile.

What does the unoccupancy clause mean?

Many policies restrict cover if the home is left empty for longer than a set period, often 30 to 60 consecutive days. If you'll be away for longer, tell your insurer.

Important: This page is general information, not financial advice or a personal recommendation. Product features and eligibility vary by provider — check the provider's own terms before you buy or apply.