Buildings, contents, and the difference between them.
Buildings insurance covers the structure of your property: walls, roof, fitted kitchens and bathrooms, and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance covers everything you would take with you if you moved out. Most policies bundle the two, but you can buy them separately if it suits.
If you are buying a property with a mortgage, buildings insurance is a lender requirement. Contents is optional, but most people need it more than they expect.
What to look for in a policy.
Rebuild Value
Buildings cover should match the cost to rebuild, not the market value of the property. Most surveys will state this.
Sum Insured for Contents
Work out the cost to replace your possessions as new. Most people underestimate this significantly.
Accidental Damage
Often optional. Useful if you have children, expensive flooring, or large screens.
High Value Items
Items above a single article limit need to be specified individually. Jewellery, watches, bikes, and tech are the usual culprits.
Away From Home Cover
Useful if you take valuables out of the house regularly.
Legal and Home Emergency
Often available as low-cost add-ons. We tell you whether they are worth it for your case.
If the property is let.
Standard home insurance does not cover rented property. Landlords need specialist cover that addresses property damage, loss of rent, public liability, and where applicable rent guarantee.
We arrange landlord buildings and contents alongside your buy-to-let mortgage.
Four steps to the right policy.
Needs review
We work out the right buildings sum insured, contents sum insured, and optional extras for your situation.
Market search
We compare insurers on price and on policy quality, not just the headline premium.
Application
We handle the application and confirm cover starts on the date of completion or as soon as possible.
Annual review
We check the cover still matches the property, the contents, and your circumstances every year.
Buildings and Contents FAQs.
Do I need buildings insurance?
If you have a mortgage, yes. It is a lender requirement. It must be in place from the date you exchange contracts on a purchase.
Do I need contents insurance?
It is optional, but most people benefit from it. The cost to replace your possessions is usually higher than you expect.
How much should I insure my contents for?
Add up the cost to replace everything as new, not the second-hand value. Most people underinsure.
What is accidental damage cover?
Cover for one-off accidents such as spilling paint on a carpet or breaking a TV. Often optional and worth considering for households with children.
Do I need cover when renting out my property?
Yes. You need specialist landlord buildings cover. Standard home insurance does not apply to let property.
What is excess?
The amount you pay towards a claim. Higher excess usually means lower premiums. We help you set it sensibly.
