House insurance is a critical financial safeguard for homeowners and landlords across the United Kingdom. Whether you own your property outright or have a mortgage, the right insurance policy protects your home against unexpected damage, theft and liability claims.
This guide explains how house insurance works, the different types of cover available, typical costs and how to select a policy that provides meaningful protection without overpaying.
Contents
What Is House Insurance?
House insurance is a general term that usually refers to two types of cover: buildings insurance and contents insurance. Policies can be purchased separately or combined under a single home insurance plan.
If you have a mortgage, your lender will typically require buildings insurance as a condition of the loan.
Buildings Insurance Explained
Buildings insurance covers the structure of your property, including permanent fixtures and fittings.
What Buildings Insurance Covers
- Walls, roof and floors
- Windows and doors
- Kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Pipes and wiring
- Garages and permanent outbuildings
Standard policies usually protect against risks such as fire, storm damage, flooding, subsidence, vandalism and burst pipes.
What Is Not Typically Covered
- General wear and tear
- Gradual deterioration
- Maintenance-related issues
- Unoccupied properties beyond policy limits
Always review exclusions carefully before purchasing.
Contents Insurance Explained
Contents insurance protects your personal belongings inside the property.
What Contents Insurance Covers
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Jewellery and valuables
- Appliances not permanently fitted
Coverage typically applies against theft, fire and certain types of accidental damage.
Accidental Damage Add-On
Some policies offer optional accidental damage cover, which protects against incidents such as spilling liquid on electronics or damaging furniture.
Combined House Insurance Policies
Many insurers offer combined buildings and contents insurance under one policy. This can simplify administration and sometimes reduce overall premiums compared to purchasing separate policies.
Combined policies are often cost-effective for homeowners but may not suit landlords or tenants.
How Much Does House Insurance Cost in the UK?
Premiums depend on several factors:
- Property location and postcode risk
- Property rebuild cost
- Security measures installed
- Claims history
- Type and size of property
- Level of cover selected
On average, basic buildings insurance may start from around £150–£300 per year, though costs vary significantly by region and property value.
Properties in flood-risk or high-crime areas generally attract higher premiums.
How to Calculate Rebuild Cost
Buildings insurance should be based on the cost of rebuilding your home, not its market value. Rebuild cost includes materials, labour and professional fees.
Underinsuring your property could result in reduced claim payouts. Overinsuring leads to unnecessary premium costs.
House Insurance for Landlords
Standard insurance is not suitable for rental properties. Landlord insurance typically includes:
- Buildings cover
- Loss of rental income protection
- Property owners’ liability cover
- Optional contents cover for furnished properties
Landlords should ensure tenants obtain their own contents insurance.
House Insurance for Tenants
Tenants do not need buildings insurance, but contents insurance is strongly recommended to protect personal belongings.
Many policies are affordable and can start from under £10 per month depending on coverage limits.
Public Liability Within House Insurance
Most house insurance policies include personal liability cover. This protects you if someone is injured on your property and makes a legal claim.
Liability limits often range from £1 million to £5 million.
How to Reduce House Insurance Premiums
- Increase voluntary excess
- Install approved burglar alarms
- Use secure locks on doors and windows
- Combine buildings and contents cover
- Maintain a no-claims history
- Compare quotes annually
Renewal prices may increase automatically, so reviewing the market each year can reduce costs.
Common House Insurance Mistakes
- Underestimating rebuild value
- Failing to declare home improvements
- Ignoring policy exclusions
- Leaving property unoccupied without notifying insurer
- Not listing high-value items separately
High-value items such as jewellery or artwork may require individual specification.
Making a House Insurance Claim
If you need to claim:
- Contact your insurer immediately
- Provide photographic evidence where possible
- Obtain crime reference numbers for theft
- Keep receipts and repair quotes
- Avoid permanent repairs without insurer approval
Prompt and accurate reporting improves claim outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Insurance
Is house insurance legally required in the UK?
No, but mortgage lenders require buildings insurance as part of the loan agreement.
Does house insurance cover flooding?
Most policies include flood cover, but high-risk properties may face higher premiums or exclusions.
Can I switch house insurance providers mid-term?
Yes, but cancellation fees may apply. Compare costs carefully before switching.
Final Thoughts
House insurance provides essential financial protection for homeowners, landlords and tenants in the UK. By understanding the differences between buildings and contents cover, calculating accurate rebuild costs and comparing insurers annually, you can secure comprehensive protection at a competitive price.
Before purchasing or renewing a policy, review exclusions, confirm coverage limits and ensure your policy reflects any property changes. The right house insurance policy protects your most valuable asset against unexpected events.