Buying a home? Already a homeowner? Then you’ve probably heard about Buildings and Contents Insurance — but what’s actually covered, and why do you need both?
Here’s a breakdown of how it works, what’s essential, and how to avoid being underinsured.
🧱 Buildings Insurance: What It Covers
Buildings insurance protects the structure of your home — and everything that’s fixed in place.
It typically covers:
- Brickwork, roof, and windows
- Doors, ceilings, floors, and internal walls
- Fitted kitchens and bathrooms
- Outbuildings like garages or sheds
- Pipes, wiring, and drains
- Damage from fire, flood, subsidence, storms or vandalism
🔑 If you have a mortgage, buildings insurance is usually required by your lender.
🛋️ Contents Insurance: What It Covers
Contents insurance protects everything you’d take with you if you moved — the things that make your house a home.
It includes:
- Furniture and carpets
- TVs, laptops, and home entertainment
- Clothes, jewellery, and personal belongings
- Kitchen appliances
- Bikes, garden tools, or tech stored in sheds or garages
Some policies even include accidental damage (like red wine on the carpet or a dropped TV).
💬 Do I Really Need Both?
If you’re a homeowner, it’s wise to have both:
- Buildings insurance protects the property itself
- Contents insurance protects everything inside
If you’re renting, your landlord usually covers the building — but you’ll still need contents cover for your belongings.
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Underinsuring — don’t just guess the value of your contents
❌ Not checking exclusions — e.g., high-value items like jewellery may need to be listed separately
❌ Not updating your policy when moving or renovating
💬 Want a Quote You Can Actually Understand?
Whether you’re moving, reviewing your current cover, or just want to make sure you’re protected, we can introduce you to a trusted protection adviser who’ll sort the right policy for your needs — and explain it in plain English.
✅ Protect your home and belongings properly
✅ Avoid hidden exclusions and underinsurance
✅ Save time and hassle with honest advice