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Shared house contents insurance

Shared house contents insurance

Compare contents insurance for shared houses

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¹Correct as of February 2026

What is shared house contents insurance?

Contents insurance covers your personal belongings if they're damaged, stolen or destroyed. This can include clothes, electronics, furniture and valuables.

In a shared house, everyone usually owns their own belongings. Shared house contents insurance is designed for this type of living arrangement.

It lets you protect your belongings while sharing a home, whether you choose your own cover or a joint policy with housemates. This is common in homes shared by friends or students.

Do I need contents insurance if I live in shared housing?

Yes. Even if you only rent a room, contents insurance is still important.

Your landlord's insurance usually covers the building, not your personal belongings. This means your clothes, electronics and valuables are not protected.

Living with housemates can increase the risk of damage or loss. More people coming and going can lead to accidents, lost keys or theft. Shared spaces can also mean items are more likely to get damaged.

Without contents insurance, you’d have to pay to replace any of your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged.

Can I get it for my room only?

Yes. You can insure just your own room and belongings, rather than the whole house. This means you’re only paying to protect your own items, not anyone else’s.

When setting up cover, you’ll need to decide on your 'sum insured'. This is the total cost of replacing all your personal possessions brand new.

How much do I need?

Here’s a simple way to work it out:

Make a list of everything you own in your room, including furniture, electronics, clothes, jewellery and valuables.

Estimate how much it would cost to replace each item with a new one.

Add up the costs - this total is the amount of cover you need.

Being accurate is important. If you underestimate, you might not have enough cover if you need to make a claim.

Calculate your cover in minutes

Use our contents calculator to total up your belongings and see how much insurance you'll need

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How to claim

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**Single annual policy. App only. Maximum claim limit. One regular hot drink per month for a year, only available via the Confused.com app. T&Cs apply.

Am I able to take out a joint shared contents insurance policy with my housemates?

Yes, you and your housemates can take out a single contents insurance policy that covers everyone’s belongings in the home. Instead of each person having their own policy, all housemates are listed on the same one.

When getting quotes, it’s important to answer questions about who lives in the property honestly so your cover remains valid. This type of policy can be a good option in some situations, but there are a few things to consider before choosing it.

Pros

It's often cheaper than everyone taking out separate room-only policies.

Can cover belongings left in shared areas like the kitchen or living room.

There can be fewer requirements for locks on individual bedroom doors.

Cons

A claim by one housemate can affect everyone’s no claims discount and may increase premiums at renewal.

Everyone needs to agree on paying premiums, telling the insurer about any changes, and managing renewals.

Premiums are shared among all housemates, regardless of the value of each person’s possessions.

What does shared housing insurance cover?

Most policies typically cover:

Accidental damage, including spills, knocks, or breakages in your room or shared areas.
Theft of your belongings, often including items stolen from your locked room.
Damage from sudden incidents like fire, flooding, or burst pipes.
Liability cover if someone is injured on the property and it’s your fault.
Tenant liability for accidental damage to your landlord’s furniture, fittings, or fixtures.
Bikes, usually up to a set value and often only when they’re securely locked away.

What does shared housing contents insurance not cover?

Knowing what isn’t covered helps you avoid surprises when you make a claim.

Exclusions can vary by insurer, but common ones include:

Wear and tear: gradual damage, like old furniture or weathered items.
Pests: damage from insects or rodents.
Negligence: leaving windows open or belongings unsecured.
Landlord’s responsibilities: the building itself, fixtures, and structural repairs.
High-value items: jewellery, art, or expensive electronics may need to be added separately.

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What our home insurance expert says

''A lot of insurers look at shared accommodation as higher risk due to the number of different people who could be in the property. A shared house contents insurance policy helps cover any possessions that are in your own room including technology and furniture. By comparing quotes will give you the best chance of getting the best deal.''