There are three main home insurance policies: building, contents and combined building & contents cover. Buildings cover protects the structure, the fixtures and fittings in your home; while contents insurance covers your belongings.
Combined buildings & contents cover is only suitable for people who own their homes. If you rent, buildings cover should be handled by your landlord. Contents cover, however, is a policy that everyone should consider.
What is covered?
Included: What's usually protected?
Excluded: What's often left out of cover?
Accidents: What happens if I damage my home or its contents unintentionally?
Outside the home: Will my policy cover my belongings away from the property?
Leaving the house unoccupied: I'm going away on holiday, am I still covered?
Big ticket items: Is there a single item limit?
Homeworkers: I'm working from home. Is my business equipment covered?
Christmas presents: Do I need extra cover for my festive gifts?
What happens if I make a claim?
Excesses: Do I have to pay an excess if I make a claim?
New for old: Will my old goods be replaced with new ones if I have to claim?
Adverse weather: What do I do if there's a flood?
Can I get cover?
Special circumstances: I'm struggling to find cover - what can I do?
Unemployed: What if I am out of work?
Now you know the basics of home cover, follow our step-by-step guide to slashing the cost of your insurance - starting with the need-to-knows.
Combined buildings & contents cover is only suitable for people who own their homes. If you rent, buildings cover should be handled by your landlord. Contents cover, however, is a policy that everyone should consider.
What is covered?
Included: What's usually protected?
Excluded: What's often left out of cover?
Accidents: What happens if I damage my home or its contents unintentionally?
Outside the home: Will my policy cover my belongings away from the property?
Leaving the house unoccupied: I'm going away on holiday, am I still covered?
Big ticket items: Is there a single item limit?
Homeworkers: I'm working from home. Is my business equipment covered?
Christmas presents: Do I need extra cover for my festive gifts?
What happens if I make a claim?
Excesses: Do I have to pay an excess if I make a claim?
New for old: Will my old goods be replaced with new ones if I have to claim?
Adverse weather: What do I do if there's a flood?
Can I get cover?
Special circumstances: I'm struggling to find cover - what can I do?
Unemployed: What if I am out of work?
Now you know the basics of home cover, follow our step-by-step guide to slashing the cost of your insurance - starting with the need-to-knows.
