Contents insurance

Comparing contents insurance quotes is easy, it takes just 8 minutes but can be even quicker if you've used us before. Simply start a new quote, or log in to check and update your details before using them to get a quote

Having the following details to hand will speed things up for you:

• Your property's build date
• The year you bought your house
• The lock types on external doors
• Details of any previous claims
• The value of your contents
• Details of any high-value items you want to cover

• Your property's build date - This is usually pre-filled based on your address.
• The year you bought your house - If you're renting you'll need the date you moved in.
• The lock types on any external doors. If you're unsure, our guide helps explain different lock types. When we ask the question we also provide example lock pictures to help you out.
• Details of any previous claims you've made in the last five years - this should be in your renewal documents. Alternatively, contact your current insurer.
• The total value of your contents you want to insure. This should include anything you'd take with you if you were to move home. Our contents calculator can help you work this out.
• Details of any high-value items worth over £1,000 you wish to insure. This includes engagement rings, antiques, musical instruments or expensive computer equipment.

Here are a few tips that could help you cut costs and get cheaper contents insurance:

• Compare prices by shopping around when you buy or renew a policy. It's simple but it's one of the easiest ways to save money. Just make sure the policies you are comparing are like for like. There's no point buying a cheaper policy if it doesn’t offer the cover you need.
• Increase your voluntary excess. By doing this, you can lower your home contents insurance premium. Just remember that if you need to claim you will have to pay more towards the cost, so make sure it’s not more than you can comfortably afford.
• Build up your no-claims bonus. Insurers will usually offer a discount if you’ve not made a claim in the last five years. The more years you go without claiming, the bigger the discount.

• Make your windows and doors as secure as they can be. Making sure you have the correct locks installed on doors and windows can minimise the risk of break-ins and help reduce your premiums.
• Pay your premiums annually if you can afford to. Paying in one lump sum usually works out cheaper than paying monthly. This is because many insurers will charge interest or an admin fee to arrange monthly payments.
• Install a burglar alarm and some insurance providers will offer you a discount on your contents insurance.

For more ideas take a look at our guide to cutting the cost of home insurance.

There are a number of optional extras you can bolt on to your policy for an additional fee that will increase cover for your home. These include:

Home emergency cover could give you protection against a number of unexpected incidents, such as burst pipes or your boiler breaking down.

Legal cover or family protection cover is designed to cover costs and expenses in the event of certain legal disputes. Some insurance providers may include this as standard but it's always worth checking. It's important to work out if you need additional cover - but be careful not to waste money by doubling up on insurance.

Away-from-home cover can be used to cover your possessions against loss and theft while you're away from home. This can include things you carry with you every day, such as jewellery, watches, handbags, laptops and mobile phones. 

Accidental damage cover could help for one-off accidental events, such as spilling something on your sofa, smashing a television or dropping an antique vase.

Once you get a quote we'll show you details of the policies available to you, including whether these extras are included or if there's a cost to add them to the policy.