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
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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.
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Home insurance product manager
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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.
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