
What is shared house contents insurance?
If you're living in shared housing, you shouldn't need a buildings insurance policy. Your landlord is responsible for providing cover for the building itself. But it's up to you to insure your belongings with contents insurance.
Shared house contents insurance is a home insurance policy designed for people who share a property with others. This includes:
- Students living in university halls of residence
- Students living in private accommodation
- Housemates renting a property together
With contents insurance for shared houses you're covered for damage or loss of your belongings caused by:
- Fire
- Storm damage
- Flooding
- Theft and burglary
Your contents are everything you'd take with you if you moved house. Including things like clothes and jewellery, devices, musical instruments and any furniture you personally own within your own room.
What’s the difference between standard contents insurance and contents insurance for shared houses?
Shared house contents insurance is different to a standard contents insurance policy because of the extra risks involved.
Contents insurance for shared houses:
- Covers items that are in your room
- Doesn't cover any items in communal areas like the kitchen or bathroom
- Doesn't cover your possessions outside of your room
Standard contents insurance:
- Covers the whole house, including communal areas
- Could be cheaper than having individual policies for each housemate
- Comes with a higher risk of someone making a claim, which could impact your costs
There are some exclusions that apply to both shared house contents insurance and regular contents insurance.
- General wear and tear to items won't be covered
- Unforced entry, where you're a victim of burglary and the burglar was able to enter the property because doors weren't locked, won't be covered
- Accidental damage isn't a standard feature but you can add it to your policy for an added cost
Confused.com
- Save up to £174* on your home insurance
- Plus choose a free gift with Confused.com Rewards**
It’s a win-win.
How to claim a reward
*Based on data provided by Consumer Intelligence Ltd, www.consumerintelligence.com (April ’23). 51% of home insurance customers could save £174.41 on a combined policy.
**Single annual policy. Shell Go+ account required. Only one £10 fuel reward can be used per transaction and each can only be used on fuel purchases of £10 or over. HelloFresh 18+ subscription service. Geographical exclusions apply. T&Cs apply
"Easy to use, helpful info, well laid-out."
Brenda - Confused.com customer (March 2023)
"Very good choice and easy to understand."
Ayub - Confused.com customer (March 2023)
"Fairly easy to navigate and good options for house insurance."
David - Confused.com customer (March 2023)
Types of home insurance
Home insurance
protects your home and its contents from those unexpected accidents.
Landlord insurance
can protect you and your rental property against unexpected costs, like building or content damage, as well as any disputes.
Student home insurance
can protect your belongings while you're living away from home.
Tenants insurance
covers your belongings against loss, damage and theft while in your rental property.
Thatched roof insurance
protects your thatched roof home against theft, loss and damage.
Flood insurance
can offer some protection for your home and belongings if you live in a flood risk area.
Over 50s home insurance
can provide peace of mind your home and belongings are protected against loss, damage and theft.
Flat insurance
can be tailored to cover the building, content or both depending on whether you own or rent your flat.
Home insurance guides

UK Home insurance statistics 2023
Our collection of UK home insurance statistics for 2023, such as average UK home insurance costs, UK home insurance market share and property insurance claim statistics.

When was my house built?
The age of your property could impact how much you pay for your home insurance. Here's how you find out just how old your house is.

Airbnb insurance explained
Does renting your home via Airbnb affect your home insurance and will your mortgage lender allow it? Here's everything you need to know about Airbnb insurance.

Leasehold buildings insurance
Are you a leasehold property owner? Although not a legal requirement, it's worth considering leasehold buildings insurance to cover damages to the building.

Lodger insurance
Thinking of renting out your spare room? There are a few things you need to consider before becoming a live-in landlord. Here's what you need to know.

Flood Re - all you need to know
Living in a high-risk flood area can come with high insurance costs - that's why the Flood Re Scheme was created. Here's how you work out if you're eligible.