Buildings and contents — what's the difference?

Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your home — walls, roof, floors, windows, and fitted fixtures. It pays out if your home is damaged by fire, flooding, subsidence, or other insured events. If you own your home with a mortgage, this is a legal requirement from the day you exchange contracts.

Contents insurance covers your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, jewellery, and more. It's easy to underestimate how much your contents are worth until you have to replace them all at once.

Bundling both together is usually simpler and better value. We'll make sure you're covered properly — not just covered on paper.

Who needs this?
  • You have a mortgage — buildings insurance is required by your lender
  • You own or rent a home with belongings worth protecting
  • You want to make sure you're not underinsured
  • You want both covered in one place, simply
What's covered

The detail that matters

Covered
Buildings: fire, flooding, storm damage, subsidence, escape of water
Contents: theft, accidental damage, fire, flooding
Optional extras: accidental damage, legal cover, home emergency
Some policies include alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable
Not covered
General wear and tear
Damage caused by poor maintenance
Contents above specified single-item limits without separate listing
Unoccupied property beyond a set number of days
Common questions

Things people ask us

When do I need buildings insurance?
How much buildings insurance do I need?
Do I need contents insurance if I rent?
Also Consider

Products that work well alongside this

Mortgage Protection
Mortgage protection covers your monthly mortgage payment if you're unable to work due to accident, sickness, or unemployment. It's focused, affordable, and designed to do one job well.
Learn more