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Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Network (FCA No. 1004260). Company No. 15189091. Registered in England and Wales.
Protection · Family and home
Home Insurance: Buildings and Contents
“Your biggest asset. Protect it properly.”
Home insurance covers two things, the building itself and everything inside it. If you have a mortgage, buildings insurance isn’t optional. Your lender will require it.
FCA regulated · leading UK insurers · 5 star reviews
Quick answer
Home insurance is made up of buildings cover, for the structure, and contents cover, for your belongings. If you have a mortgage, your lender requires buildings insurance from exchange of contracts. The main thing to know is to insure for the rebuild cost, not the market value, and to check single item limits on contents.
Buildings cover
Required by your mortgage lender
When it starts
From exchange of contracts
Sum insured
Rebuild cost, not market value
Main thing to watch
Underinsurance and item limits
How home insurance works
Buildings insurance covers the structure, walls, roof, floors and fitted fixtures, against events like fire, flood, storm and subsidence.
Contents insurance covers your belongings, from furniture and electronics to clothes and jewellery.
Most people combine both in one policy, and can add accidental damage, legal cover or home emergency cover.
Avoiding underinsurance
If you insure for less than the rebuild cost, the insurer may reduce any claim in proportion. We’ll help you use the right figure.
High value items above the single item limit need listing separately, or they may not be fully covered.
Eligibility and what insurers assess
Who may qualify
Owners and renters of UK homes.
Property
Construction, age, listed status and condition.
Location
Flood, subsidence and crime risk.
Claims history
Recent claims affect price.
Security
Locks and alarms can reduce premiums.
Occupancy
Long unoccupied periods need special terms.
What happens from first call to completion
1
Understand what you need to protect
We look at your mortgage, income, family and existing cover, including anything through work.
2
Work out the right amount and term
We size the cover to your debts and plans, so you’re not over or under insured.
3
Compare insurers on cover, not just price
Definitions and exclusions vary. We compare the policy wording as well as the premium.
4
Complete the application accurately
We help you answer the health and lifestyle questions fully, because that’s what makes a claim pay.
5
Handle underwriting
If the insurer needs GP reports or more information, we chase it and keep you updated.
6
Put cover in place and in trust
Once accepted we set the start date and, where it applies, help you write the policy in trust.
Costs, risks and when it may not be suitable
Being upfront about this is part of doing it properly.
What affects the cost
- Rebuild cost and contents value
- Location, flood and subsidence risk
- Claims history
- Excess level
- Optional extras such as accidental damage
Risks to weigh up
- Underinsurance can reduce claim payouts
- Wear and tear and poor maintenance aren’t covered
- Insurers can refuse a claim if information given at application was inaccurate or incomplete
When it may not be suitable
- If you live in a leasehold flat, the building may already be insured by the freeholder
- If your belongings are low value, basic contents cover may be enough
What you will need
The exact list depends on the insurer, but this is what to start gathering.
Photo ID and proof of address
Property address and type
Year built and construction
Rebuild cost estimate
List of high value items
Claims history
How MBNM helps
- Work out how much cover you actually need and for how long
- Compare leading UK insurers on definitions, not just price
- Help you disclose your health and lifestyle properly so claims pay
- Explain premiums, trade offs and exclusions in plain English
- Handle underwriting and chase medical evidence
- Set up trusts where they apply and review cover when life changes
What it costs
Your first chat is free. If we can help, we will explain any fees before you decide whether to proceed. There are no hidden fees, and we will not move forward until you have agreed them.
Home Insurance FAQs
When do I need buildings insurance?
How much buildings cover do I need?
Do I need contents insurance if I rent?
Is accidental damage worth it?
Do I insure a leasehold flat?
Can I switch mid term?
Exchanging soon?
We’ll get your buildings cover ready for exchange and make sure the contents figure is right.
Your first conversation is free and there's no obligation. If we can help, we'll explain any fees before you decide whether to go ahead.
Cover is subject to the insurer's terms, underwriting and exclusions.