In the UK, having home insurance is not a legal requirement. However, if you have a mortgage, most lenders will insist on buildings insurance as a condition of the loan to protect their financial interest in the property.
Even if you own your home outright, taking out cover can provide peace of mind by protecting you against unexpected damage or loss. Policies can be tailored to suit your circumstances, with options including buildings insurance, contents insurance, or a combined buildings and contents policy, giving you flexibility to choose the level of protection that best meets your needs.
Having home and contents insurance is a smart choice because it protects you from unexpected financial loss. Your home is likely your biggest asset, and repairing or rebuilding after events like fire, storm damage, or flooding can cost thousands of pounds. Likewise, contents insurance covers your personal belongings, from furniture and electronics to clothes, jewellery, or even everyday items if they’re stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Without insurance, replacing these could be a huge financial burden. With the right cover in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protected and won’t have to face those costs alone.
*To protect their financial interest in the property
This information covers details about the property itself, such as whether it’s a semi-detached house, a three-bedroom home, or another type. Insurers will also consider the property’s history, including its year of construction, the main building materials, and whether it’s a listed building. Security features are also important, so details like alarm systems and the type of locks on external doors should be included.
It’s crucial to provide accurate figures, as the values you enter will set the maximum amount you can claim. While our quote form can give you an estimated rebuild cost based on the details you provide, it’s always wise to do your own research. This ensures you have an accurate rebuild value for your property and a clear idea of what it would cost to replace all the contents of your home.
You have the option to take out building insurance, contents insurance, or a combined policy that covers both. High-value items worth over £1,000 can be insured individually, along with possessions you regularly take outside the home. You can also tailor your policy with additional cover, such as protection for home appliances, and choose the level of excess that best suits your needs.
Since 2023, the average cost of home insurance in England has increased by 60%. If you’re finding it harder than usual to secure an affordable policy, you’re not alone. The good news is that understanding how your personal circumstances and other factors affect your quote can help you identify ways to get a more competitive price.

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The insurance comparison service accessed through the affiliate link is provided by Quotezone, a trading style of Seopa Ltd. Seopa Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN: 313860). Seopa Ltd is located at Floor 4, Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT2 7GS. We are paid a fee for policies purchased, at no extra cost to you.
*51% of consumers could save £209.33 on their Home Building & Contents Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next fourteen cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from December 2024. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances.