Compare Home Insurance in England (2025): Buildings vs Contents
Compare Home Insurance in England (2025): Buildings vs Contents
In **2025**, average combined home-insurance premiums in England rose by roughly **6 % year-on-year**, reflecting higher rebuild costs and increased flood-risk assessments. Homeowners now pay an average of **£345** per year for combined buildings and contents cover. Comparing policies carefully—especially excess levels and add-ons—can save up to **20 %** at renewal.
Buildings vs contents cover
Most English homeowners choose either standalone or combined home-insurance policies. Here’s how they differ:
Buildings vs Contents Insurance — England (2025)
| Feature |
Buildings Insurance |
Contents Insurance |
| What it covers |
Permanent structure: walls, roof, fixtures, fitted kitchen, bathroom. |
Movable possessions: furniture, clothing, electronics, jewellery. |
| Typical average premium (2025) |
£235 |
£110 |
| Common add-ons |
Accidental damage to structure, legal expenses, trace & access cover. |
Accidental damage to belongings, away-from-home protection, gadget cover. |
| Required by mortgage lender? |
Yes — for property owners. |
No — optional, but strongly recommended. |
Choosing your sum insured
Underinsuring your property remains one of the most common errors. Rebuild costs—not market value—determine your buildings sum insured. Use the ABI/BCIS Rebuild Cost Calculator for guidance. For contents, most English households underestimate total value by 20–30 %, so complete an inventory room by room.
Setting your policy excess
Excess is the amount you pay if you claim. In 2025, typical voluntary-excess ranges are:
- Buildings: £100 – £500
- Contents: £50 – £250
Increasing your voluntary excess lowers premiums, but make sure it remains affordable—especially if multiple small claims occur in a year.
Popular add-ons in 2025
- Accidental damage: covers unintentional breakages such as spilt paint or cracked worktops.
- Legal expenses: supports property or consumer-dispute costs up to £100,000.
- Home emergency cover: fast callouts for plumbing, heating, or lock failures.
- Personal possessions: extends cover for items outside the home (phones, laptops, jewellery).
Flood-risk considerations
Flood-prone regions such as parts of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Thames Valley have seen higher premiums and excesses. Most English insurers participate in the **Flood Re** scheme, which caps flood-related costs for eligible homes built before 2009. Check your postcode on GOV.UK before buying or renewing a policy.
Smart switching tips
- Compare at least five UK aggregators (e.g., Comparethemarket, Confused, GoCompare, Moneysupermarket).
- Run quotes **21–26 days** before renewal—data shows the lowest average premiums during this window.
- Bundle buildings and contents together to unlock multi-policy discounts.
- Verify accidental-damage terms: some policies exclude DIY or pet-related damage.
- Check renewal documents for automatic excess increases or new policy fees.
FAQ — Compare Home Insurance in England (2025)
What is “new-for-old” cover?
“New-for-old” means your insurer replaces damaged or stolen items with brand-new equivalents, without depreciation. Most comprehensive contents policies in England include this by default.
Is accidental damage worth it?
Yes, if you want broader protection. Standard policies may exclude accidental spills or breakages, while full accidental-damage add-ons cover a wider range of everyday mishaps.
How do I check flood-zone risk?
Use the official GOV.UK flood-risk map to confirm whether your postcode lies in a higher-risk zone. Some insurers automatically include Flood Re protection for eligible homes.
Does buildings cover garden walls or garages?
Yes, generally outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls are covered under buildings insurance—but always confirm policy definitions and any outbuilding value caps.
Should I switch insurers annually?
Yes. New-customer discounts and improved telematics or risk models often make switching every 12 months the most cost-effective strategy.
Key takeaways
- Average English home-insurance premium in 2025: **£345 combined**.
- Buildings covers the structure; contents protects belongings—combine for convenience.
- Excess and add-ons significantly influence total cost.
- Flood Re provides affordable flood protection for eligible homes built before 2009.
- Compare early and review excess levels annually to keep premiums competitive.
References
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