Buildings & Contents Insurance – The Difference Explained(applicable to the UK) If you ever get confused by the terms home insurance, buildings insurance or contents insurance – fear not! Here’s a simple guide to explain the difference. Basically, home insurance breaks down into two types – buildings insurance and contents insurance. A neat rule-of-thumb for telling the two apart is to imagine you’re a giant and able to pick your home up in your hand. Now turn it upside down and give it a shake. Things that stay put (ceilings, floors, doors, sinks, bath etc) are covered by Buildings Insurance
Note: unless required as a mortgage condition, you’re not obliged to take buildings insurance from your mortgage lender. However, your lender may charge a fee (typically around £25) to cover their cost of checking that your buildings insurance is acceptable. Sometimes, insurers will actually pay this fee as a sign-up incentive – something to look out for when shopping for a deal. Buildings Insurance – What’s Covered? A comprehensive policy should cover the rebuild/repair cost for such events as storm/tree damage; fire; lightning strike; gas explosion; vandalism; damage caused by a vehicle; plumbing disasters and earthquake. Always check a policy’s small print to see exactly what’s included as boundary walls, fences, gates and utility pipes are note always covered. Outbuildings (e.g. garages, gazebos, sheds, greenhouses) are usually covered but again, check to make sure. If a property lies within a subsidence or flood risk area, you may be asked to contribute a hefty voluntary excess (up to around £2,500) for any related claims, or you may be refused cover altogether.
If Contents Insurance This type of cover insures household belongings against loss, damage and theft, and is the only home insurance you’ll need to consider if you rent your home.
The two main types of contents insurance:
As with buildings insurance, always check the policy small print to see exactly what’s
Don’t Finally, there are hundreds of different home insurance options out there, so make sure you shop around rather than go with the first deal that comes your way. Remember, ‘cheapest’ doesn’t always equal ‘best’ – so always read the policy small print and carefully weigh up what’s right for you and your home. The information contained herein is provided by confused.com for information purposes only and
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