{"id":6500,"date":"2025-06-19T14:29:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/?p=6500"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:26:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T08:26:45","slug":"an-introduction-to-home-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/2025\/06\/19\/an-introduction-to-home-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"An introduction to home insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-table\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>If you own your own home you\u2019ll need to have buildings insurance<\/td><td>Premiums can be lower if you choose to buy your buildings and contents insurance together<\/td><td>Making sure you have enough insurance cover is almost as important as having insurance in the first place<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\">Contents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#do-I-need-home-insurance\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#do-I-need-home-insurance\">Do I need home insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-buildings-insurance\">What is buildings insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-does-contents-insurance-cover\">What does contents insurance cover?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#should-I-buildings-and-contents-insurance-together\">Should I buildings and contents insurance together?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-about-valuable-items-away-from-home\">What about valuable items away from home?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#how-can-my-adviser-help\">How can my adviser help?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#top-tips\">Top tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>Home insurance is an effective shock-absorber that protects thousands of individuals and families each year from unexpected and unwelcome loss, damage and expense. If you\u2019re new to home insurance, we can help you get the right cover in place for your needs. Here, we\u2019ll provide answers to a few of the questions we\u2019re regularly asked by clients.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"do-I-need-home-insurance\">Do I need home insurance?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>If you own your own home you\u2019ll need to have buildings insurance. Your mortgage lender will usually stipulate this as a condition of granting your loan, so not having a policy could put your mortgage and your home at risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>You will need to insure the rebuild cost, the amount of money you would need to completely rebuild your home from scratch. The cost of rebuilding your home isn\u2019t the same as its market value and is usually less. That\u2019s because the market value takes into account the value of the plot and land, location, local amenities, and supply and demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Although there\u2019s no requirement to have home contents insurance, it is a good idea to have cover in place in case the unexpected happens and your home is burgled, or your possessions are damaged by fire or flood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"what-is-buildings-insurance\">What is buildings insurance?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>It covers the structure and permanent fixtures of a property, including kitchens and bathrooms. Policies provide cover for the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it\u2019s damaged as a result of events like storms and floods, falling trees or vandalism. You can also get cover for garages, fences and driveways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"what-does-contents-insurance-cover\">What does contents insurance cover?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Home contents insurance covers all the things kept in a home such as TVs, furniture, carpets and personal belongings. You can also include additional cover such as accidental damage that will insure personal items when they are used away from home such as laptops, jewellery and cameras.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Most policies offer new for old cover, meaning you will get the full replacement value if they are lost, stolen or damaged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"should-I-buildings-and-contents-insurance-together\">Should I buildings and contents insurance together?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Premiums can be lower if you choose to buy your buildings and contents insurance from the same insurer. Also, if there\u2019s a fire or burglary that affects both the building and your possessions, it can be easier and more straightforward if the claim is managed by just one insurer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"what-about-valuable-items-away-from-home\">What about valuable items away from home?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Cover for belongings you have with you while you are away from home are not always covered under a standard contents policy, but can usually be included at an additional cost. There will normally be a limit on the value of any one item, and you may also have to specify the items you want covering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"how-can-my-adviser-help\">How can my adviser help?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>When it comes to buying buildings and contents insurance cover, the range of policies on offer in the market can seem bewildering. That\u2019s where the guidance and market knowledge we provide can help you navigate the various options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>As financial advisers, we offer professional advice and know how to find policies to cover special risks, so if you have a house that\u2019s not of standard construction, or a valuable coin collection, for example, we will know which insurer offers the most appropriate policy. We are normally paid a commission from the insurance provider for selling their policy, so you won\u2019t pay us for finding the right policy for you, and you\u2019ll save valuable time not having to contact insurers direct to get a quote and searching comparison sites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"top-tips\">Top tips<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Don\u2019t be underinsured<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Making sure you have enough insurance cover is almost as important as having insurance in the first place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Under-insurance can cause serious problems if you have to make a claim, as your insurance company may not pay out the full cost to replace lost, stolen or damaged items.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>So, if you only paid for \u00a325,000 of home contents cover, but the total value of your home contents is \u00a350,000, any claim you make, even for a single item included at the correct value, could be scaled-down pro rata.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Understand how an excess works<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>The excess on a home insurance policy is a fixed amount that you will have to pay out if you make a claim on your policy. Your insurer will deduct this figure from the amount they will pay you when they settle your claim. There are compulsory excesses that your insurer applies, and in addition there are voluntary excesses that you can choose. So if you choose to have a higher voluntary excess, in return the insurer will reduce the amount of your premiums.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Price is not the only factor<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>When looking for the right buildings and contents insurance, the key is to focus on features not just price, when comparing policies to ensure you buy an appropriate product for your particular circumstances. It can be worth paying slightly more to get a more comprehensive policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Think about the added extras<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>You can, for instance, add cover for legal expenses, home emergencies, drains and plumbing, freezer breakdown, accidental damage to home contents, and accidental damage for personal possessions outside the home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Many people feel it\u2019s worth paying a few extra pounds in premium to get the extra peace of mind this added cover provides.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Review your policy if you extend your property or buy new things<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>It\u2019s important to bear in mind that the amount of buildings insurance you need should be the rebuild cost of your home, not the full market value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>So, whilst your sum insured doesn\u2019t need to keep pace with property price increases, if you\u2019ve carried out major home improvements, built an extension, or added outbuildings such as a garden room or store, then your cover may need to be increased to include the extra accommodation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>If you\u2019ve acquired new possessions, it\u2019s important to make sure they\u2019re properly insured. Some home contents insurance policies cover high-value items as standard and will insure any single item up to a specified figure \u2013 this can be typically \u00a31,500 to \u00a32000. If you don\u2019t declare a valuable worth more than the limit, it wouldn\u2019t be covered at all. If you have items that exceed the stipulated amount, then you need additional cover.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">It pays to review your policy regularly<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Once you\u2019ve bought a policy, it\u2019s vital to review it regularly to ensure that you have the right level of cover.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Consider your options at renewal<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>When your home insurance policy comes up for renewal, it\u2019s often tempting just to stay with your current provider, not least because it\u2019s often quicker and easier to do that than spend hours checking comparison sites or ringing round insurance companies for a policy quotation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>However, many people have found that by staying put, their premiums have risen steadily over the years, and their policy no longer represents good value for money. Your best course of action is to ask us to find the most suitable deal at the right price for your needs and circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Terminology to be aware of<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Premium loading is the amount an insurance company adds to the basic premium to cover their business costs; knock-on effects to homeowners include increased premiums and excesses. This is particularly relevant to those living in flood-risk areas where insurers may increase premiums for properties deemed at risk, to protect their balance sheets in the likelihood of a claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Exclusions in insurance are clauses inserted into the terms of a policy which detail what items\/events are not included in the cover provided. It is vital to check the finer detail of the policy to avoid any unexpected exclusions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\">We&#8217;re here to help<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Finding the right policy for your home insurance is important. We\u2019re only a phone call away, so if you have queries or would like to discuss the sort of insurance that would work best for your home and contents, please do get in touch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-spacer\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you own your own home you\u2019ll need to have buildings insurance Premiums can be lower if you choose to buy your buildings and contents insurance together Making sure you have enough insurance cover is almost as important as having insurance in the first place Contents Home insurance is an effective shock-absorber that protects thousands [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[32],"tags":[86],"hd_content_source":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6500"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6500"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6500\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6878,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6500\/revisions\/6878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6500"},{"taxonomy":"hd_content_source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hd_content_source?post=6500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}