ComparisonMar 15, 2026
What is Home Insurance?
Home insurance in the UK typically comes in two parts: buildings insurance, which covers the structure of your home, and contents insurance, which covers your belongings. You can buy them separately or as a combined policy.
Why does it matter?
Your home is likely your most valuable asset. Home insurance protects against fire, flood, theft, and accidental damage, giving you financial security and peace of mind. Most mortgage lenders also require buildings insurance as a condition of your loan.
Buildings Insurance
Covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures.
Contents Insurance
Protects your personal belongings including furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables against theft, fire, and flood.
Liability Cover
Covers legal costs and compensation if someone is injured at your property or you accidentally damage a neighbour's property.
Alternative Accommodation
Pays for temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event such as fire or flood.
Types of Home Insurance
Understanding the main types of home insurance helps you choose the right protection for your property and belongings.
Buildings Insurance
Covers the structure of your home including walls, roof, floors, windows, and permanent fixtures. Protects against damage from fire, storms, floods, subsidence, and other insured events. Usually required by mortgage lenders.
Best for
Homeowners, mortgage holders, protecting your property investment
Contents Insurance
Covers your personal belongings inside the home including furniture, electronics, clothing, jewellery, and other valuables. Protects against theft, fire, flood, and accidental damage.
Best for
Renters and homeowners, protecting valuable possessions, high-value items
Combined Buildings & Contents
A single policy that covers both the structure of your home and your personal belongings. Often more cost-effective than buying two separate policies and simplifies claims management.
Best for
Homeowners wanting comprehensive cover, convenience, cost savings
What are the key benefits of comparing home insurance?
Find the right buildings, contents, or combined policy for your home
Protect your home and possessions from fire, flood, theft, and accidental damage
Compare excess amounts, cover limits, and policy features side-by-side
Access new customer discounts — switching providers can save hundreds per year
Cover your home from as little as £10/month for contents-only policies
FCA-regulated providers only — every insurer we compare is fully authorised
4,218 homeowners compared home insurance in the past 24 hours.Average time to compare: 2 minutes.Recent comparison: switched provider and saved £210/year on combined home insurance in Leeds.
4,218 homeowners compared home insurance in the past 24 hours.Average time to compare: 2 minutes.Recent comparison: switched provider and saved £210/year on combined home insurance in Leeds.
How it works
How Comparison Genius Works
Compare UK home insurance in 3 simple steps.
01
Step 1
Tell us about your home
Share details about your property — type, rebuild cost, contents value, and any security features. We use this to match you with the most suitable policies.
02
Step 2
Review your matched policies
We match you with the best home insurance policies for your property profile, with clear comparisons of premiums, cover limits, and excess amounts.
03
Step 3
Apply with confidence
Choose the policy that fits your needs and apply directly — most policies are active immediately upon payment.
Helpful tools to get you started
Everything you need to find the right home insurance in the UK.
Get My Quote
Answer a few quick questions about your home and get matched with the best policies.
Start nowRebuild Cost Calculator
Estimate the rebuild cost of your home to ensure you have the right level of buildings cover.
Calculate rebuild costProvider Comparison
Compare the UK's top home insurance providers side-by-side on premiums, cover limits, and features.
Compare nowContents Value Guide
Estimate the total value of your home contents to ensure you are not underinsured.
Estimate contentsExpert Insight
Read our independent reviews of the UK's best home insurance providers.
Read reviewsHow does home insurance work?
From choosing the right policy to making a claim, here is every step explained clearly.
1
Understand the three types of home insurance
Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home. Contents insurance covers your personal possessions. Combined covers both in a single policy, typically at a lower combined premium.
2
Decide which type of cover you need
If you own your home, you need buildings insurance — your mortgage lender will require it. If you rent, consider contents insurance. If you own and live in your home, a combined policy is usually most cost-effective.
3
Calculate your buildings sum insured
The buildings sum insured should reflect the rebuild cost — not the market value. Underinsuring can result in reduced payouts at claim time. Use our rebuild cost calculator to estimate.
4
Calculate your contents sum insured
Walk through your home room by room and estimate the total replacement value. The average UK household has contents worth over £35,000. Include furniture, electronics, clothing, jewellery, and appliances.
5
Understand the excess
Most policies have a compulsory excess of £100–£250 and allow you to add a voluntary excess. A higher voluntary excess reduces your monthly premium but increases your out-of-pocket cost when you claim.
6
Check what is excluded
Standard policies exclude general wear and tear, pet damage, mechanical breakdown, and poor maintenance. Flood cover is included in most policies but may be excluded in high-risk areas.
7
Consider additional cover options
Standard home insurance can be enhanced with accidental damage, home emergency cover, legal expenses, and personal possessions cover. These add-ons typically cost £10–£30/year each.
8
Apply for your chosen policy
Most applications are completed online in 10–15 minutes. You will need details about your property type, construction, bedrooms, security features, and claims history.
9
Review your cover at renewal
Premiums typically increase at renewal. Comparing providers at renewal can save significant amounts — the average saving from switching is over £100/year. Do not auto-renew without comparing.
How much home insurance do you need?
Enter your details to estimate the right level of cover.
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Detached, semi-detached, terraced, flat, or bungalow.
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More bedrooms typically means a higher rebuild cost.
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The rebuild cost is typically lower than the market value.
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The average UK household has contents worth over £35,000.
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Covers unintentional damage such as spilling wine on a carpet.
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Covers boiler breakdowns, burst pipes, and electrical failures.
Not sure about your calculation? We can help you choose the cover level to suit you with free advice.
Remember, this only estimates how much you might need to help you make your decision.
Product Guide
Understanding your options
Tap any card to learn more about home insurance in the UK.
Comparison Genius is a comparison service, not an insurer. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Home insurance costs in the UK
Indicative premiums to help you understand what home insurance may cost.
Note: Premiums shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary based on your individual circumstances. Always request a personalised quote for an accurate premium.
What affects your premium?
Understanding the key factors that influence home insurance pricing in the UK.
Detached properties cost more to insure than flats. Non-standard construction — such as thatched roofs, timber frames, or listed buildings — significantly increases premiums.
Expert Tips
Tips for choosing home insurance
Choosing the right home insurance ensures your property and belongings are properly protected. These practical tips will help you make a confident decision.
Know the difference between buildings and contents
Buildings insurance covers the structure; contents covers your belongings. Most homeowners need both, either separately or as a combined policy.
Get the rebuild value right
Your buildings insurance should be based on the rebuild cost of your home, not the market value or purchase price. Use the RICS Building Cost Calculator.
List your high-value items separately
Individual items worth over £1,000 to £1,500 usually need to be listed separately on your contents policy to be fully covered.
Check your excess carefully
Both compulsory and voluntary excess apply to each claim. A higher voluntary excess reduces premiums but increases your out-of-pocket cost.
Consider accidental damage cover
Accidental damage is not always included as standard. Adding it covers everyday mishaps like spilled paint or a broken window.
Look for new-for-old replacement
New-for-old policies replace damaged items with brand new equivalents rather than deducting for wear and tear.
Review your cover after renovations
Extensions, loft conversions, and new kitchens increase your rebuild cost. Update your buildings insurance accordingly.
Compare quotes from multiple providers
Premiums and cover levels vary significantly between insurers. Always compare at least three quotes before renewing or switching.
Trusted by thousands across the UK
Rated 4.8 / 5
"My renewal quote from Aviva was £480. Comparison Genius found me the same level of combined cover for £268 with LV=. Saved £212 in 5 minutes."
James W.
Bristol
Verified
"After a burst pipe caused £8,000 of damage, I realised I'd been underinsured for years. Comparison Genius helped me find the right level of cover at a price I could afford."
Sarah M.
Birmingham
Verified
"I didn't realise my contents were worth so much until I used the contents calculator. Switched to a higher limit and it cost me less than £5/month extra."
David K.
Edinburgh
Verified
"My renewal quote from Aviva was £480. Comparison Genius found me the same level of combined cover for £268 with LV=. Saved £212 in 5 minutes."
James W.
Bristol
Verified
"After a burst pipe caused £8,000 of damage, I realised I'd been underinsured for years. Comparison Genius helped me find the right level of cover at a price I could afford."
Sarah M.
Birmingham
Verified
"I didn't realise my contents were worth so much until I used the contents calculator. Switched to a higher limit and it cost me less than £5/month extra."
David K.
Edinburgh
Verified
Trusted by 48,000+ people in the UK
Your home is your most valuable asset. Make sure it's protected.
Compare the UK's leading home insurance providers in under 2 minutes. Find the right cover for your home today.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home insurance in the UK
Comparison Genius is a comparison service, not an insurer. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Consumer Genius is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 1011778 for credit broking activities only. We also operate as a lead generation service, introducing customers to third-party providers in sectors including claims management, insurance, and home services. These activities are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ICO registration number: ZB343389. Premiums shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary based on your individual circumstances.