Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the property, such as walls, floors and the roof. This also includes any permanent fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen and fitted wardrobes. Outside structures, like fences, garages and sheds are usually covered too, as are pipes, cables and drains connected to your home (provided they’re your legal responsibility). Buildings insurance is different to contents insurance which covers all the belongings in your home. Homeowners typically buy combined buildings and contents insurance.
If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, your lender will insist that you have buildings insurance cover. Your policy must cover the property during the full term of your agreement and whilst the mortgage company has a financial interest in your home. You must also make sure that you have buildings insurance in place from the day you exchange contracts and you become legally responsible for the property and dwellings. If you don’t have a mortgage there’s no requirement to have buildings insurance, however, bare in mind that repairs are often costly. Having a fully comprehensive cover can save you money in the long run.
If you’re renting your home, your landlord is responsible for the building and should have a buildings insurance policy in place to cover the structure and permanent fixtures. You are solely responsible for your own personal contents. If you’re a landlord and have a property which you rent, it’s advisable to take out buildings insurance to cover the structure and permanent fixtures.
On average, buildings insurance in the UK costs £120 per year however this figure depends on many factors including:
This will vary depending on the level of buildings insurance cover that you take out. But generally, the most comprehensive and best buildings insurance policies will cover:
Most buildings insurance will also cover you for fire, flood and storm damage to your home’s structure. Like with all insurance policies, you need to read your home building insurance policy thoroughly so you know exactly what you are and aren’t covered for should you need to make a claim.
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Provider
Buildings & contents quote
Review Score
Buildings' cover limit
Contents only quote
Contents' cover limit
£219.69
per year
1st of 10
£209.49
per year2nd of 10
£249.75
per year3rd of 10