Home insurance
When something goes wrong at home, you want your claim handled fairly and paid without a long fight. That is what matters most when choosing a provider.
Home insurance companies
16 companies
About Home insurance
Home insurance covers the buildings and contents of a home against damage and loss, and most policies also include cover for liability if someone is hurt on the property. Policies are sold as buildings cover, contents cover, or a combined package, and the level of cover depends on the property type, its construction and where it stands in the United Kingdom. Some policies add optional extras such as accidental damage, home emergency assistance or cover for valuable items.
The market is made up of large insurers that underwrite their own policies, brokers that arrange cover from a panel of insurers, and comparison sites that show quotes from many providers at once. Customers reach these companies through online quote tools, price comparison websites, telephone sales, high street brokers and through mortgage lenders who require buildings cover as a condition of a loan. Some insurers also sell through partner banks, estate agents and affinity groups, so the same product can be bought through several different routes.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates insurance sales and the handling of claims in the United Kingdom, and it sets the rules that firms must follow when they treat customers fairly. The Financial Ombudsman Service provides a free route for unresolved complaints about home insurance, and the British Insurers' Europe trade body represents many of the companies in the sector.
Questions about Home insurance
How do I choose a home insurance company?
Start by deciding whether you need buildings cover, contents cover or both, and compare policies that cover those risks. Check that the insurer is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which you can confirm on the FCA Register. Look at how the insurer handles claims as well as the price, because the cheapest policy can have the most exclusions.
What should I compare when looking at home insurance?
Compare what is covered for buildings and contents, the sums insured, and the excess you would pay on a claim. Check the exclusions carefully, particularly for flood, subsidence, accidental damage and high-value items such as jewellery or bicycles. Look at any optional extras, the cover for alternative accommodation, and whether the policy includes legal expenses cover.
Do I have to tell my insurer about changes to my home?
Yes, you must tell your insurer about changes that affect the risk, such as building work, a change of use or a new occupant. Failing to disclose a material fact can allow the insurer to refuse a claim or cancel the policy under the Insurance Act 2015. Answer every question on the application honestly and in full, including any previous claims or refusals of cover.
Is home insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
No, home insurance is not a legal requirement for homeowners in the UK. If your home is mortgaged, your lender will require you to hold buildings insurance for as long as the loan lasts. Leaseholders are required by the terms of their lease to insure the building.
How do I cancel my home insurance policy?
Under the cooling-off rules, you can cancel a new policy within 14 days of receiving the documents and receive a refund. After that, you can cancel at any time by contacting your insurer in writing or by phone. If you have a mortgage, you must arrange new buildings cover before cancelling the old policy.
What happens if I need to make a home insurance claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible, using the claims number on your policy, and provide details of the incident with any evidence. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage while you wait for the insurer to respond. The insurer may arrange an inspection by a loss adjuster and must explain the outcome in writing.
What are my rights if my home insurer refuses a claim?
The insurer must give you a clear written reason for refusing the claim, and you can ask for it to be reviewed. Under the Insurance Act 2015 the insurer can only refuse a claim on the grounds set out in the policy and the law. If you are not satisfied, you can refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How do I make a complaint about a home insurance company?
Put your complaint in writing to the insurer's complaints department, setting out what went wrong and what outcome you want. The insurer must investigate under the Financial Conduct Authority's DISP rules and send you a final response. If the insurer does not resolve the matter within eight weeks, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.
Is my money protected if my home insurer goes bust?
Yes, if an insurer fails, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme may protect your cover and claims. Insurers authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority are covered by these rules. Protection depends on the type of policy and the firm's status, so check the scheme's terms for your specific cover.
Are there any cooling-off rights when buying home insurance?
Yes, you have a 14-day cooling-off period after buying a policy, during which you can cancel and receive a refund of the premium. You can cancel by writing to or calling the insurer. The period starts when you receive the policy documents, so make sure you have read them before it ends.
What should I look for in reviews of home insurance companies?
Look at how the company handles claims, because most complaints about insurers concern claims being delayed, reduced or refused. Pay attention to reviews written after a claim as well as those written at the point of sale. Be wary of reviews that focus only on the price rather than the claims experience.
Should I shop around when my home insurance renews?
Yes, you should compare the renewal price with other quotes before accepting it, because insurers can increase the premium for existing customers. Under the Financial Conduct Authority's pricing practices rules, insurers must not charge renewing customers more than the equivalent new customer price. Gather the details of your current cover so you can compare like with like, including the sums insured and excess.