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    Protect yourhome andbelongings

    Buildings and contents cover for your home.
    Talk through your options with our UK team.

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    Helpful UK teamFriendly, human support
    Selected UK insurersBuildings and contents cover
    Clear, honest guidanceNo jargon, no pressure
    Your home, your needsUnderstand your options

    Protect what matters

    4 reasons to consider home insurance

    Your home is more than a building. Understanding your cover can help you protect both the place you live and the things inside it.

    home insurance

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    Leave your details and our home insurance team will explain the cover options clearly, at your pace. We arrange cover on a non-advised basis, so the decision is always yours.

    Your data is secure. We never sell your details.

    1. Protect the structure of your home

      Buildings insurance can help with the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home after insured damage, such as fire, storms or flooding. Cover should reflect the rebuild cost rather than the property's market value.

    2. Look after the things you own

      Contents insurance can help replace belongings after an insured theft or damage. Think about everything you would need to replace, from furniture and clothes to appliances, and check limits for valuable items.

    3. Plan for disruption, not just repairs

      Some policies include alternative accommodation if an insured event leaves your home uninhabitable. Check when this applies, the amount available and any time limits in your policy.

    4. Choose cover around how you live

      Homeowners, renters and landlords have different insurance needs. Optional extras, such as accidental damage or personal possessions away from home, may be useful, but check the cost, excess and exclusions before choosing.

    Cover in everyday terms

    What could your home cover help with?

    A fire damages the building
    Buildings cover could help pay for repairs or rebuilding after an insured fire. Check the rebuild amount and policy conditions.
    Belongings are stolen from home
    Contents cover could help replace possessions after insured theft. Check security requirements and limits for individual valuables.
    You cannot stay at home
    Alternative accommodation may help if an insured event makes your home uninhabitable. It must be included; cost and time limits can apply.

    These are examples, not payout promises. What is covered depends on your policy's terms, limits and exclusions.

    Explore the types of cover

    "Buildings and contents sorted in one quick call."

    Helen R., LeedsHome Insurance

    A little clarity before you choose

    Key facts about
    home insurance

    Start with what you need to protect. Then check the cover, limits and the amount you would pay towards a claim.

    02 / The main types

    The building, the belongings — or both.

    Buildings
    The structure of your home: walls, roof and permanent fixtures such as a fitted kitchen. Cover for outbuildings and particular risks depends on the policy.
    Contents
    The things you own, such as furniture, clothing and electronics. It can cover insured theft or damage, subject to limits and exclusions.
    Combined
    Buildings and contents together in one policy. Check each part's cover amount and excess; having both does not mean every eventuality is covered.
    03 / Buildings cover

    Rebuild cost is not the sale price.

    For policies where you choose a buildings sum insured, use the cost of rebuilding your home, not its market value or mortgage balance. Rebuilding can include demolition, clearing the site and professional fees.

    Not sure of the figure? Check a recent survey or obtain a professional rebuild assessment, particularly for unusual or listed homes. Some policies use a set cover limit instead; check that limit and the insurer's requirements.
    04 / Contents cover

    Think replacement cost, room by room.

    Add up what it would cost to replace your possessions, including the everyday items that are easy to overlook. Underinsurance can affect what an insurer pays on a claim.

    Check single-item limits for jewellery, bicycles and other valuables. Accidental damage and possessions away from home may need extra cover; do not assume they are included.

    05 / Price factors

    What goes into your premium?

    The property and its rebuild cost, contents value, postcode, construction, security, claims history and risks such as flooding can all affect the price. Cover limits, optional extras and your chosen excess matter too.

    A higher voluntary excess may reduce a premium, but it increases what you pay towards a claim. Check the total excess, including any compulsory or claim-specific amount, before you choose.

    Explore what affects the cost

    Clear information. Your decision.

    Why choose Utterlycovered for home insurance?

    A home insurance conversation should help you understand what you are buying. We talk through the options and the details that matter, so you can make your own decision.

    The building

    Start with the home itself.

    We explain buildings, contents and combined cover. For buildings insurance, we talk through the cover amount and why rebuilding cost is different from market value. Tell us about the property's construction and any existing buildings cover, such as a policy arranged for a block of flats.

    The belongings

    Look beyond the headline contents limit.

    Think about replacement costs, then check limits for individual valuables. We explain whether possessions away from home or accidental damage are included or optional, so you can decide which extras, if any, you want.

    The policy details

    Know the costs and the boundaries.

    We explain the premium, applicable excesses, key exclusions and cover limits. Review the Insurance Product Information Document, policy wording and any special conditions before buying. Ask us to clarify anything you do not understand, and check your quote details are accurate.

    A person to talk to

    Your questions belong in the conversation.

    Our UK team can explain the options and answer questions about the information provided. There is no obligation to proceed just because you have asked for a callback or quote.

    When another question comes up

    Keep the details within reach.

    You can contact our team with questions about the cover we arrange. Keep your policy documents and insurer's contact details handy; for a claim, follow your insurer's reporting instructions and contact its claims team.

    Read what to do if you need to claim

    People to talk to. Space to decide.

    How our home insurance team works

    At Utterlycovered, we explain your options in plain English. You see the information, ask your questions and decide before we arrange the cover you choose.

    Speak to our home insurance team
    1. Start with your home

      You share your details

      Tell us about the property, who lives there, its construction and age, and what you want to protect. We will also need information such as rebuild cost, contents value and previous claims.

      Answer the questions accurately. If you are unsure of a detail, tell us rather than guessing.
    2. Understand the options

      We discuss what you need to cover

      Our home insurance team contacts you to talk through buildings, contents or combined cover, any existing insurance and the extras you want to consider. We explain available options from our selected panel of UK insurers.

      We do not search the whole market or give a personal recommendation.
    3. Know what you are buying

      We explain the policy and price

      Before you decide, we explain the premium, what is included, key limits, exclusions and the excesses that apply. Ask about anything that is unclear, including optional extras and any payment charges.

    4. Take a closer look

      You review the information

      Read the Insurance Product Information Document and policy wording, and check the quote details and any special conditions. Check that the cover amounts, start date and information about your home are correct.

      Tell us about any errors or questions before you agree to buy.
    5. Your decision

      You choose whether to go ahead

      Our service is non-advised: it is your responsibility to decide whether the policy meets your needs. You can ask questions, choose the cover you want or decide not to proceed. We only move ahead with your agreement.

    6. Only after you agree

      We arrange your chosen cover

      Once you have agreed to proceed, we arrange the selected policy, subject to the insurer's acceptance and any required payment. We confirm the start date and provide your policy documents.

      A callback request or quote is not cover. Check the confirmation of your policy and its start date before relying on it.

    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 Popular

    Full 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-onWhat it coversWorth it?
    Accidental damageCovers damage from accidents like spilled wine on carpets or broken TVs from mishapsUseful if you have children, pets, or valuable items
    Home emergency cover24/7 assistance for urgent repairs like boiler breakdowns, burst pipes, or lost keysGood peace of mind, especially for older properties
    Legal expensesCovers legal costs for property disputes, contract issues, or personal injury claimsWorthwhile for comprehensive protection
    Personal possessions away from homeProtects valuables like phones, laptops, jewellery when you're out and aboutEssential if you carry expensive items regularly
    High-value items coverAdditional protection for expensive jewellery, watches, art, or antiques beyond standard limitsNecessary if you own items worth over £1,500 individually
    Alternative accommodationPays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable after a claimOften 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.

    1

    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.

    4

    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

    TypeProsCons
    Buildings OnlyProtects your biggest asset, required by mortgage lenders, covers structure and fixturesDoesn't cover your belongings or contents inside the home
    Contents OnlyAffordable protection for belongings, ideal for tenants, flexible cover amountsNo cover for structural damage to the building itself
    Combined CoverComplete protection, potential discounts, single policy convenience, peace of mindHigher total premium than contents alone, may include cover you don't need

    Coverage levels and typical features

    FeatureBuildings OnlyContents OnlyCombined
    Structure damage (fire, flood, storm)Not included
    Theft of belongingsNot included
    Damage to contents (fire, water)Not included
    Alternative accommodation costsNot included
    Outbuildings & garagesNot included
    Personal liability coverNot 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.

    Helpful reading

    Helpful home insurance guides

    Buildings and contents insurance explained

    Understand what each type of cover protects and when you may need both.

    Read the guide

    Understanding buildings insurance options

    Learn what to check when choosing cover for the structure of your home.

    Read the guide

    What to expect when making an insurance claim

    A practical guide to the claims process and the information you may need.

    Read the guide

    Frequently asked questions

    Buildings insurance isn't legally required, but most mortgage lenders insist on it. Contents insurance is optional but highly recommended to protect your belongings.

    Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home (walls, roof, fixtures). Contents insurance covers your possessions inside. Combined policies offer both.

    Buildings cover should match rebuild cost (not market value). Contents cover should reflect the total replacement value of all your possessions.

    Standard policies typically don't include accidental damage. It is usually an optional add-on, so check your policy or add it if needed.

    Most policies cover sudden, unexpected flooding, but properties in high-risk flood areas may face exclusions or higher premiums.

    Yes. Improving security, increasing your excess, paying annually and maintaining a no-claims history can all help reduce your premium.

    Typical exclusions: wear and tear, maintenance issues, certain types of water damage, unforced entry theft, and damage from pets.

    Tenants should get contents insurance to protect belongings. Landlords need buildings insurance and may want landlord-specific contents cover.

    Each claim-free year may reduce your premium. Some insurers offer protected no-claims options to preserve your discount after certain claims.

    Share a few details and our home insurance team will be in touch to arrange buildings and contents cover with a panel of selected UK insurers.

    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.

    For official guidance on home insurance and property protection, visit GOV.UK Home Insurance.

    Ready to get a home insurance quote?

    Request a callback and we'll help you find the right cover.

    Request Your Callback

    Important service information

    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.

    UtterlyCovered

    An insurance advice and arrangement service helping families and individuals find suitable cover at competitive prices.

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