
What does buildings insurance cover?
Most policies will cover any damage done to your home's physical structure by:
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Flooding, fire, storms and natural disasters
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Subsidence and fallen trees
- Vehicle collisions
- Water damage caused by burst pipes
- Vandalism
Garages, sheds and fences are usually covered too, though this can differ from policy to policy.
Most insurers also offer optional extras that you can add onto your policy to ensure it covers exactly what you need it to. These include:
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Accidental damage cover which covers things like putting your foot through the ceiling while working in the attic
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Legal expenses cover which can help cover the cost if you need to go to court over something like a boundary dispute
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Home emergency cover to help cover the cost of emergency repairs to your utilities (water, gas and electric)
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Boiler breakdown cover to help cover the cost of callouts, labour, repairs and even replacement if your boiler breaks
Some of these may be included as standard with your policy, so it's always worth checking with your home insurance provider to see exactly what you're covered for.
Typically, insurers don’t cover for gradual damage caused by things like damp. If you have signs of damp in your home it’s best to get them checked by a professional. Our guide can help you to spot the common signs of damp.
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How much does buildings insurance cost?
Prices will vary considerably depending on the type of home you want to insure. Insurance companies look at a wide range of factors when coming up with your quote. This usually includes everything from your home's location to its size and age.
As a general rule, larger and listed properties will cost more to insure. So will those in areas where there is a higher risk of flooding.
The average price of buildings insurance is:
£166.352
2October 2022-January 2023 Confused.com data - average purchased premium price.
If you're lookng for ways to keep the cost of your home insurance down, make sure you:
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Don’t over insure, as you could end up paying for more cover than you need.
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Build your no-claims bonus (NCB) as the longer you go without claiming, the more of a no claims discount you'll usually be rewarded with.
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Explore policy options like combined contents and buildings insurance, as this is often cheaper than taking out two separate policies.
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Pay annually as insurers will often charge you additional interest and admin fees if you pay monthly.
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Compare quotes instead of accepting your renewal price. You might be surprised with just how much you can save.
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Install smoke alarms and other safety measures, as these can be a simple way to reduce youyr risk, and in turn, what you pay for your policy.
We compare up to 64 trusted insurance companies1 to get you our cheapest deal in minutes
What should I consider when choosing buildings insurance?
Comparing quotes is a quick and easy way to save on your insurance, but before you settle on a policy it's a good idea to make sure it's the right one for you.
Have a look at:
- What’s included as standard
- Your excess amount
- How long you can leave your home unoccupied
- Whether alternative accommodation is included
- How much no-claims bonus (NCB) you have
- Your policy exclusions
What’s included as standard as most policies will include damage by fire, floods, storms and subsidence, but may not cover accidental damage, which is sometimes only available as an optional extra.
Your excess amount is the amount you'll have to pay towards any claims you make. Typicaly, the more you agree to pay, the cheaper your insurance might be. But it’s important not to agree to more than you could afford.
How long you can leave your home unoccupied can differ from policy to policy. Many insurers will only cover your house for 30 days if it's left unoccupied. If you're likely to be away for long periods of time, it's something to think about.
Alternative accommodation provides you with somewhere else to live while your house is undergoing extensive repairs. It might be included as standard on your policy, but some insurers only offer it as an optional extra. If you don't have you could stay in the event of a fire or flood at your home, it might be worth considering.
Your policy exclusions are things you might not be covered for. This can include things like poor workmanship, general wear and tear and things you may not have expecte like damage caused by frost, insects, birds and other pests. It's a good idea to be aware of what you aren't covered for, as well as what you are.
Need more help?
Can I get buildings insurance in a flood risk area?
Yes, you can protect your home against flooding even in a flood risk area. The government and insurers have an agreement which allows for affordable insurance even in flood risk areas. This scheme is called Flood Re.
Find out more about flood insurance.
Does buildings insurance cover renovations and extensions?
Types of home insurance
Home insurance
protects your home and its contents from those unexpected accidents.
Contents insurance
protects your household belongings against theft, loss and damage.
Timber framed home insurance
Find cover for old listed buildings and new builds alike.
Non standard insurance
get cover for your non-standard home. Protect your belongings against theft, loss and damage.
Flat roof insurance
find home insurance for your flat or partially flat roofed property.
Landlord insurance
can protect you and your rental property against unexpected costs, like building or content damage, as well as any disputes.
Flat insurance
can be tailored to cover the building, content or both depending on whether you own or rent your flat.
Listed building insurance
protects properties that are of national historical significance.
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