Key Facts About Home Insurance
Legal Requirement
Buildings insurance isn't required by law, but most mortgage lenders require it as a condition of lending
Main Types
Buildings insurance, Contents insurance, and Combined cover (both together)
Buildings Cover
Should match rebuild cost (not market value) including walls, roof, fixtures, and permanent structures
Contents Cover
Protects your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables, against theft and damage
Price Factors
Property value, rebuild cost, location, security measures, claims history, excess, and risk factors like flood zones
Why choose UtterlyCovered for home insurance?
Selected UK insurers
We arrange home insurance with a panel of selected UK insurers to suit your needs.
Cover that fits
We help you choose buildings, contents or combined cover for your property.
Transparent guidance
Clear explanations with no jargon, so you understand exactly what you're buying.
Human support
Real people available if you have questions. No pushy sales, just helpful information.
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Fast results
Get matched with suitable policies in minutes, not hours, with no lengthy forms required.
FCA regulated
Authorised and regulated by the FCA (ref. 534183) for your complete peace of mind.
Dedicated experts
A small, passionate team of insurance specialists who genuinely care about finding you the right cover.
How our home insurance team work
We arrange home insurance with a panel of selected UK insurers and explain your options in plain English, so you can choose the cover that suits you.
1. You share your details
Tell us about your property type, age, location, rebuild cost, and what you want to protect. It takes just a few minutes.
2. We talk through your needs
Our home insurance team will be in touch to understand what you need the policy to do.
3. We arrange your cover
We arrange buildings, contents or combined cover with a panel of selected UK insurers.
4. We explain the policy
We set out what is covered, the main exclusions and the excess, in plain English.
5. You review the documents
Read the policy wording and product information so you know exactly what you are buying.
6. You decide
It is your choice whether the cover meets your needs. Go ahead when you are ready.
Types of home insurance explained
Buildings Insurance
Covers the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, windows, permanent fixtures and outbuildings, against damage and disasters.
Best for: Homeowners, especially those with a mortgage, as lenders typically require it.
Contents Insurance
Protects your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables, against theft, fire and damage inside your home.
Best for: Homeowners and tenants wanting to protect their possessions and personal items.
Combined Cover
Most PopularFull protection: buildings and contents in one policy, often with cost savings and simplified management.
Best for: Homeowners wanting complete protection with convenience and potential multi-cover discounts.
Who needs home insurance?
- Homeowners with mortgages: Most lenders require buildings insurance as a condition of your mortgage to protect their investment in your property.
- Homeowners without mortgages: Even without a lender requirement, buildings insurance protects your biggest asset from costly damage and disasters.
- Landlords: Need specialist landlord insurance covering the building, liability, and potentially contents like furnishings in rental properties.
- Tenants: Should get contents insurance to protect belongings, as the landlord's policy won't cover your personal possessions.
- Leaseholders: May need buildings insurance depending on lease terms, plus contents cover for your flat and belongings.
What affects the price of home insurance?
Property value & rebuild cost
Higher rebuild costs and property values mean larger potential claims, increasing premiums.
Location & postcode
Areas with higher crime, flood risk, or subsidence history face increased premiums.
Security measures
Burglar alarms, window locks, secure doors, and security lighting can significantly reduce costs.
Property age & construction
Older properties or non-standard construction (thatched roofs, listed buildings) cost more to insure.
Claims history
Previous claims increase risk assessment. Maintaining a no-claims record can reduce premiums significantly.
Crime rates in area
High local burglary and vandalism rates increase theft risk and insurance costs.
Flood risk
Properties in flood zones or near water sources may face higher premiums or flood exclusions.
Excess amount
Choosing a higher voluntary excess reduces premiums but increases your out-of-pocket cost if you claim.
Add-ons and extras
| Add-on | What it covers | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental damage | Covers damage from accidents like spilled wine on carpets or broken TVs from mishaps | Useful if you have children, pets, or valuable items |
| Home emergency cover | 24/7 assistance for urgent repairs like boiler breakdowns, burst pipes, or lost keys | Good peace of mind, especially for older properties |
| Legal expenses | Covers legal costs for property disputes, contract issues, or personal injury claims | Worthwhile for comprehensive protection |
| Personal possessions away from home | Protects valuables like phones, laptops, jewellery when you're out and about | Essential if you carry expensive items regularly |
| High-value items cover | Additional protection for expensive jewellery, watches, art, or antiques beyond standard limits | Necessary if you own items worth over £1,500 individually |
| Alternative accommodation | Pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable after a claim | Often included in comprehensive policies, check limits |
Claims: what to expect
Making a home insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Here's a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Stay safe first
Ensure everyone's safety. Call emergency services if needed and prevent further damage.
Document everything
Take photos of damage, list affected items, and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Call your insurer
Report within 24-48 hours. Have policy details and incident information ready.
Evidence & assessment
Submit documentation and cooperate with assessors or loss adjusters.
Settlement & repairs
Insurer approves, arranges repairs or pays settlement, minus your excess.
Common exclusions
- Wear and tear: Gradual deterioration, maintenance issues and general ageing aren't covered. Insurance is for sudden, unexpected events.
- Unforced entry theft: If there's no evidence of forced entry (broken locks, smashed windows), theft claims may be rejected.
- Damage by pets: Most policies exclude damage caused by your own pets. Only third-party damage may be covered.
- Pre-existing damage: Damage that existed before your policy started won't be covered.
- Empty property: Many policies exclude claims if your home is unoccupied for 30 days or more. Notify your insurer if you are leaving the property empty.
- Certain water damage: Slow leaks, rising damp, and maintenance-related water damage often aren't covered.
- Subsidence exclusions: Some policies exclude subsidence or require higher excesses for these claims.
Home insurance at a glance: pros & cons
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings Only | Protects your biggest asset, required by mortgage lenders, covers structure and fixtures | Doesn't cover your belongings or contents inside the home |
| Contents Only | Affordable protection for belongings, ideal for tenants, flexible cover amounts | No cover for structural damage to the building itself |
| Combined Cover | Complete protection, potential discounts, single policy convenience, peace of mind | Higher total premium than contents alone, may include cover you don't need |
Coverage levels and typical features
| Feature | Buildings Only | Contents Only | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure damage (fire, flood, storm) | Not included | ||
| Theft of belongings | Not included | ||
| Damage to contents (fire, water) | Not included | ||
| Alternative accommodation costs | Not included | ||
| Outbuildings & garages | Not included | ||
| Personal liability cover | Not included |
What to consider when choosing home insurance
When we arrange your cover with a panel of selected UK insurers, it helps to think about:
- Cover level: Whether you need buildings, contents or combined cover for your property
- What is included: What comes as standard and what is available as an optional add-on
- Exclusions: The situations a policy will not cover, so there are no surprises later
- Excess: The amount you would pay towards any claim
- Claims handling: How the insurer deals with claims if something goes wrong
It is your responsibility to decide whether a policy meets your needs. If you are unsure, please ask our home insurance team before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Compliance & important notes
Disclaimer: UtterlyCovered arranges home insurance with a panel of selected UK insurers on a non-advised basis. We do not underwrite policies or handle claims directly. Always read policy documents carefully before buying. Information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.
Your premium and the validity of any claim depend on the information you give being accurate and complete.
For official guidance on home insurance and property protection, visit GOV.UK Home Insurance.
This is a non-advised service
We will give you the information you need to make your own choice, but we will not give you a personal recommendation. It is your responsibility to decide whether the cover meets your needs. If you are unsure, please ask us before you buy.
Understanding your demands and needs
Before we arrange any cover, we will ask about your situation so we understand what you need the policy to do. Any cover we put forward is based on the information you give us, so please make sure it is accurate and complete.
Ready to get a home insurance quote?
Request a callback and we'll help you find the right cover.
