Home Insurance can be confusing. With so many options to consider, it’s little wonder you may have questions. Whether you’re a new homeowner, switching providers, or just trying to understand your policy better, it’s important to get the right answers.
That’s why our Personal Lines team has created this ultimate guide to Home Insurance. On this page, they’ll cover everything from how much Home Insurance costs, to what’s covered in case of leaks, floods, or accidental damage. Whatever your question, you’ll find straightforward answers here to help you make informed decisions and ensure your home is fully protected.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about Home Insurance!
What is Buildings Insurance?
Buildings Insurance is a type of Home Insurance that covers the structure of your property, including the walls, roof, floors, windows and permanent fixtures, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Buildings Insurance generally covers the rebuild cost of your home. This is the amount it would take to completely rebuild your property from scratch, including any architectural or professional fees. It can also cover permanent outbuildings such as garages or sheds, depending on your policy.
It’s important to note that Buildings Insurance doesn’t usually cover general wear and tear or routine maintenance, so it’s important to keep your home well-maintained.
What does Building Insurance cover?
It’s designed to cover damage caused by a variety of events, such as:
- Fire
- Flooding
- Storms
- Vandalism
- Falling trees
- Burst pipes or water leaks
- Subsidence (depending on the insurer)
Building Insurance typically covers the cost of repairs or rebuilding your home if it’s affected by one of these events.
If you’re unsure about what specific cover you need, it’s a good idea to review your policy or speak to a broker who can search the market for suitable protection.
Do you have to have Home Insurance?
In the UK, it’s not a legal requirement. However, it is highly recommended. In addition, if you have a mortgage, most lenders will stipulate that you have Buildings Insurance as a condition of the loan. This ensures the property is protected against incidents that may affect its value.
If you own your home outright, there’s no obligation to have Home Insurance, but many homeowners still choose to have both Buildings and Contents Insurance to protect against unexpected events like fire, flood, theft or damage.
Renters are not usually responsible for Buildings Insurance because it is the landlord’s responsibility. However, they may choose to have Contents Insurance to protect their personal belongings.
Do I need Buildings Insurance for a leasehold flat?
It depends on your leasehold agreement. In most cases, the freeholder (the person or company that owns the building) is responsible for arranging Buildings Insurance for the entire property, including your flat. The cost is often passed on to leaseholders as part of the service charges or ground rent.
However, it’s important to check your lease carefully, as there are some instances where you, as the leaseholder, may be responsible for arranging your own Buildings Insurance. If you’re uncertain, speak to your freeholder.
Which Home Insurance is best?
The best Home Insurance policy depends on your individual needs, the type of property you own, and the level of cover you require. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best Home Insurance:
Type of cover: If you own your home, you’ll likely need both Buildings Insurance and Contents Insurance. Renters normally only need Contents Insurance.
Excess: Look at the excess amount (the amount you pay towards a claim). A lower excess means you’ll pay more for the insurance, while higher excess can lower your premium but require a larger payment if you make a claim.
Add-ons: Consider whether you need additional covers, such as accidental damage, home emergency cover or legal expenses cover. These can provide extra protection for things like broken items, boiler breakdowns or legal disputes.
Customer service: Some insurers stand out for excellent customer service and claims handling. Look for reviews and ratings that focus on how easy it is to make a claim and how responsive the insurer is.
Independence: Independent brokers can search the market for the best deal that suits your specific needs. This can be particularly beneficial if you want to compare policies from various insurers.
Ultimately, the best Home Insurance policy for you is one that offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford, while also providing reliable customer support.
How much to insure a home?
The cost of Home Insurance varies according to a range of factors such as the size, location and value of your property, as well as the level of coverage you choose. On average, in the UK, Buildings Insurance is £284 per year, while Contents Insurance might add £131 annually.
If you choose a combined Home Insurance policy (covering both buildings and contents), you could be looking at an average cost of £364 per year, according to the Association of British Insurers.
It’s important to note that factors like your property’s rebuild cost, the area’s crime rates, and whether your home is in a flood-risk zone can also affect the price. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from different insurers.
Why has Home Insurance gone up?
Home Insurance premiums can rise for a number of reasons, many of which are outside your control. One key factor is inflation. As the cost of materials and labour increases, insurers need to adjust premiums to cover the higher expenses associated with claims. This inflationary pressure is often passed on to policyholders.
Changes in the risk profile of your property can also contribute to premium increases. For example, if your area is now classified as more prone to flooding or crime, insurers may see your home as higher risk and charge more to insure it.
Your personal claims history is another factor. If you’ve made claims on your Home Insurance recently, insurers might view you as more likely to claim again, leading to higher premiums.
While these factors can be frustrating, shopping around for quotes or using a broker to find the best deal can help you manage rising costs.
Does Home Insurance cover boilers?
In general, most policies do not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your boiler if it breaks down. Most standard Home Insurance policies focus on protecting the structure of your home and your personal belongings, so mechanical or system failures, like a broken boiler, are typically not included.
However, some insurers offer an optional home emergency cover add-on, which may include coverage for boiler breakdowns and other urgent repairs, such as plumbing or electrical faults. This can provide peace of mind by covering the cost of emergency repairs, potentially saving you from expensive bills in the event of a boiler failure.
Always check your insurance wording carefully to see what is included.
Does Home Insurance cover roof leaks?
It may, but it depends on the cause of the leak. Most policies will cover damage if the leak is due to a sudden and unexpected event, such as storms, falling trees or debris that affects the roof.
However, it does not tend to cover roof leaks caused by general wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or pre-existing issues that weren’t repaired.
Are underground pipes covered by Home Insurance?
Yes, most Buildings Insurance policies include coverage for underground pipes that are part of your home’s drainage system or water supply. These pipes, which may include sewage and water lines, are normally covered if they are damaged by sudden and unforeseen incidents, such as issues during construction or maintenance, blockages caused by tree roots and ground movement issues.
However, Home Insurance typically does not cover damage to underground pipes caused by wear and tear or gradual deterioration over time, poor maintenance or neglect or faulty installation.
In some cases, policies may limit the scope of coverage or require specific add-ons to cover underground pipes. It’s always a good idea to check the details of your policy or speak with your insurance provider to confirm what is and isn’t included regarding underground pipes.
Does Buildings Insurance cover leaks?
Buildings Insurance can cover leaks, but whether you’re protected or not depends on the cause of the leak. Generally, leaks are covered if they result from sudden and unexpected damage.
For example, if a pipe bursts due to freezing temperatures or if heavy rain or strong winds tear off roof tiles, leading to a leak, you’re likely to be covered. Similarly, water damage caused by an insured event, like a flood, would usually be included.
However, leaks that happen over time due to gradual wear and tear – such as ageing pipes or a roof that hasn’t been maintained – are not normally covered by standard policies. Insurers also won’t cover leaks caused by poor maintenance or faulty installation.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing issues that may not be covered, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your property and address potential problems early.
Does Home Insurance cover damp?
In most cases, Home Insurance does not cover damp. This is because damp is usually a maintenance issue rather than something caused by an unexpected event. Damp usually results from poor ventilation, leaks that have gone unrepaired, or structural problems that have developed over time. These are the homeowner’s responsibility.
However, if damp is the result of an insured incident – such as a burst pipe or a flood – your Home Insurance may cover the resulting damage, but not the underlying damp problem itself.
To avoid issues with damp, regular home maintenance is essential. Addressing minor leaks, improving ventilation, and ensuring your home is adequately weatherproofed can prevent damp from developing and becoming a more serious problem. Always check your policy documents for specific exclusions related to damp and maintenance.
Does Home Insurance cover storm damage?
Yes, most standard Home Insurance policies do cover storm damage to your property. This includes damage to the structure of your home, such as the roof, windows and walls, as well as outbuildings like garages or sheds, if they are affected by high winds, heavy rain, or falling trees.
Buildings Insurance typically covers repairs to your home caused by these events, while Contents Insurance may cover any belongings inside the home that are damaged as a result of the storm.
Does Home Insurance cover flooding?
Yes, many Home Insurance policies do cover flooding. Buildings Insurance covers the structure of your home such as walls, floors and permanent fixtures like kitchens and bathrooms against flood water damage. Contents insurance can also cover personal belongings damaged by floodwaters, such as furniture, electronics and clothing.
However, not all policies include flood cover automatically, particularly if you live in a high-risk flood area. In those cases, you may need to pay a higher premium or obtain specific flood insurance. Additionally, some policies might have limitations or exclusions, so it’s essential to review the terms carefully.
Are carpets covered by Contents or Buildings Insurance?
Carpets are generally covered under Contents Insurance rather than Buildings Insurance. This is because carpets are considered part of your personal belongings, much like furniture or electronics, and can be removed from the property if needed.
However, permanent floor coverings, such as wooden or tiled floors, are normally covered under Buildings Insurance as they are seen as part of the structure of the home.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check the specifics of your policy, as definitions can vary between insurers.
Are garden walls covered by Buildings Insurance?
Yes, garden walls are typically covered by Buildings Insurance because they are considered to be part of the structure of your property. Buildings insurance usually covers damage to garden walls, gates, fences, and other permanent fixtures on your property caused by events like storms, flooding and vandalism.
Are kitchens covered by Buildings Insurance?
Yes, kitchens are generally covered by Buildings Insurance because fitted elements like cupboards, countertops and sinks are considered part of the permanent structure of your home. If damage occurs due to fire, flooding or a storm, your Buildings Insurance would usually cover the repairs or replacement of these fixtures.
However, kitchen appliances – such as refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers – are usually covered under Contents Insurance because they aren’t permanently attached to the property.
What is accidental damage in Home Insurance?
Accidental damage refers to unintentional, sudden damage to your property or belongings that occurs unexpectedly. It is typically an optional add-on to Home Insurance policies, both for Buildings and Contents Insurance and can offer extra protection for a range of mishaps.
Buildings Insurance may cover:
- Accidentally knocking a hole in a wall while doing DIY
- Breaking a window
- Damage caused by drilling into a pipe or cable
Contents Insurance may cover:
- Spilling red wine on a carpet
- Dropping and breaking a TV or computer
- Damaging a valuable item by accident, such as a mirror or an artwork
It does not usually include general wear and tear, pet damage (unless specifically covered) or mechanical breakdowns (such as your washing machine or TV).
Adding accidental damage cover to your Home Insurance can provide peace of mind, especially if you want protection against life’s little mishaps. Always check your policy carefully to understand what’s included and what isn’t.
What is Home Emergency Cover Insurance?
Home Emergency cover is an optional add-on that provides help when you need urgent assistance for unexpected problems in your home. It covers the cost of immediate repairs to prevent further issues or to make your home safe, ensuring you have access to a professional quickly when an emergency strikes.
Common emergencies covered by home emergency insurance include:
- Boiler breakdowns or heating system failures
- Plumbing issues like burst pipes or blocked drains
- Electrical faults, such as a complete power failure
- Roof damage that leads to significant leaks
- Pest infestations (e.g. wasps, rats)
- Broken windows or doors that compromise home security
This type of cover ensures that a qualified tradesperson is sent to your home promptly to carry out emergency repairs.
If peace of mind for unexpected problems is important to you, adding home emergency cover to your policy can save you time and money in finding a repair service when you need it most.
How long do Home Insurance claims take?
Home Insurance claims vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the insurer’s procedures. For straightforward claims for minor repairs, you can expect the process to take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
However, if the claim is more complex it can take several weeks or even months. Factors like the need for inspections by loss adjusters, obtaining repair estimates, or providing supporting documents can all influence how long the claim takes to be settled.
To ensure the process moves as quickly as possible, it’s important to submit all required information promptly and maintain regular communication with your insurer.
How to find out who my Home Insurance is with
If you’ve forgotten which company provides your Home Insurance, there are a few simple steps you can take to find out. Start by checking your email inbox. Insurance companies usually send documents and renewal reminders electronically. Search for terms like ‘Home Insurance’ or ‘policy’ and see if anything relevant comes up.
You can also look at your bank statements. If you pay your premiums by direct debit, the name of your insurance provider should appear in the transaction history. This can be a quick way to find the information.
If you have any paper documents from when you first set up the insurance or from your last renewal, those will contain the insurer’s details. Dig through your files for any paperwork you might have stored away.
If you’re still struggling, reach out to past insurers or brokers for additional guidance.
Do I need legal cover on Home Insurance?
Legal cover on Home Insurance isn’t a requirement, but it can be a valuable add-on depending on your circumstances. This optional extra helps cover the cost of legal fees in various situations, protecting you from potentially expensive disputes.
For instance, legal cover could prove useful if you find yourself in a property dispute with a neighbour over a boundary or damage to your home. It could also help if someone is injured while on your property and decides to seek compensation.
While not essential, legal cover offers peace of mind. It’s typically inexpensive to add to your policy but could save you thousands in legal fees if you ever need to use it.
Get professional Home Insurance advice
We hope this guide has answered your questions about Home Insurance. If you have more specific questions or need personalised advice, our friendly broking team is here to help.
As independent brokers, we can search the market to find the perfect policy for your needs. Get in touch with us today to speak to one of our specialists and ensure your home is fully protected with the right cover.
