What does home insurance usually cover?
Home insurance normally splits into two parts. Buildings insurance deals with the structure of the property, things like walls, roofs, and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance looks after belongings inside the home, from furniture to clothing.
Policies usually cover risks such as fire, storm damage, escape of water, flooding, theft, and vandalism, though limits and exclusions vary.
Do I need both buildings and contents insurance?
Not always. Homeowners with a mortgage usually need buildings insurance because lenders require it. Tenants usually only need contents insurance, as they are not responsible for the structure.
Some people choose buildings-only or contents-only cover depending on how the property is owned and used.
How are home insurance premiums worked out?
Insurers look at risk. That includes the property type, construction, location, past claims, security, and how the home is occupied.
Your personal details matter too, but the building itself usually carries more weight than people expect.
What is accidental damage cover?
Accidental damage covers one-off mishaps, such as spilling liquid on electronics or putting a foot through the ceiling while in the loft.
Some policies include it automatically. Others offer it as an optional extra, either for buildings, contents, or both.
Are my valuables covered automatically?
Most policies include cover for valuables, but usually with single-item limits. High-value items such as jewellery, watches, or artwork may need to be listed separately.
Items taken outside the home often have lower limits unless additional cover is added.
Does home insurance cover flood damage?
Flood damage is often included in standard policies, but not always. Properties in higher flood-risk areas may face higher premiums, excesses, or restrictions.
The definition of flood can also matter, particularly where water enters from the ground rather than through pipes or the roof.
What is escape of water?
Escape of water refers to leaks from pipes, tanks, appliances, or heating systems. It is one of the most common causes of claims.
Many policies apply a separate excess to escape of water claims, which can be higher than the standard excess.
Does home insurance cover wear and tear?
No. Home insurance is designed for sudden and unexpected events. Gradual deterioration, ageing materials, and poor maintenance are usually excluded.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings when claims are declined.
Am I covered if my home is left empty?
Most policies restrict cover once a home is unoccupied beyond a set period. Theft, vandalism, and water damage are often limited or excluded.
If a property will be empty for a while, insurers usually expect to be told.
Does working from home affect home insurance?
Occasional home working rarely causes issues. Running a business from home, storing stock, or seeing clients can.
Insurers usually want to know if the use of the property changes in a material way.
What happens if I make a claim?
Claims are assessed against the policy wording in force at the time of the loss. Insurers look at cause, evidence, and whether policy conditions were met.
Claims history can affect future premiums, particularly where similar claims repeat.
Do I need to tell my insurer about changes to my home?
Yes, if the change affects risk. Extensions, renovations, new heat sources, or major changes in occupancy usually need to be disclosed.
Minor decorating generally does not.
What is new-for-old cover?
New-for-old means damaged items are replaced with new equivalents rather than their second-hand value.
Most modern contents policies operate on this basis, but limits still apply.
Is home insurance compulsory?
There is no legal requirement to insure your home. Mortgage lenders usually make buildings insurance a condition of the loan.
Without a mortgage, the decision is a financial one rather than a legal one.
Can I switch insurers at renewal?
Yes. Most policies run for a year and can be changed at renewal.
Switching mid-term is possible, but cancellation fees may apply.
Why does the same policy cost more for some homes?
Risk varies by location, construction, claims history, and occupancy. Two houses that look similar can be priced very differently.
Insurance pricing reflects probability and cost of claims, not how careful the homeowner feels they are.
What should I check before buying a policy?
- What risks are covered and excluded
- Excess levels for common claims
- Limits on valuables and personal possessions
- Conditions around security and occupancy
- How claims affect future premiums
Why do claims sometimes get rejected?
Most rejections relate to exclusions, non-disclosure, or claims for gradual damage rather than sudden events.
Reading policy wording feels dull, but it usually answers the question long before a claim arises.
More useful information:
- How are home insurance premiums calculated?
- How should I compare home insurance policies?
- What does home insurance usually cover?
- How does home insurance work for older buildings?
- How can I lower my home insurance premiums?
- Can I transfer my home insurance to a new house?
- What is new-for-old home insurance?
- Are there different types of home insurance?
- Is home insurance different if you live alone?
- Does having a mortgage affect home insurance?
- Does home insurance cover sewage and drainage problems?
- Do all home insurance policies include accidental damage?
- Does home insurance cover acts of terrorism?
- Does home insurance cover theft outside the home?
- Is separate insurance needed for terrorism risks?
- How does working from home affect home insurance?
- What help is available if you are uninsured?