Buildings insurance provides cover for the structure of a property (it’s ‘bricks and mortar’) and its permanent fixtures and fittings, such as sanitary ware, fitted kitchens and fitted bedroom wardrobes. Interior decorations are also covered under a Buildings Insurance policy.

Buildings Insurance will also normally extend to cover outbuildings such as garages, greenhouses and garden sheds but depending on your policy, boundary walls, fences, gates, paths, drives and swimming pools may not be covered.

Most policies will cover damage to your home by specific events or ‘perils’, such as:
  • Fire, explosion, lightning or earthquake
  • Subsidence, heave or landslip
  • Storm and flood
  • Theft or attempted theft
  • Escape of water
  • Falling trees or branches
  • Breakage or collapse of aerials
  • Riot, civil commotion, strikes, labour or political disturbances
  • Impact by aircraft, other aerial devices, vehicles or animals
  • Escape of oil from heating systems.

Please note the exact list of insured perils will vary from policy to policy.

In addition, most home contents insurance policies also include a number of other benefits, such as:

  • Alternative Accommodation - If you are unable to stay in your house following a major claim, this cover will cover the reasonable cost of alternative accommodation up to a stated limit (typically 20% of the sum insured).
  • Property Owners Liability - As owner of your home you are responsible for injury to other parties or for damage to their property. This cover will pay any damages and costs for which you are legally liable. An upper limit applies (commonly £1 million or £2 million). Your main legal liability arises from you being occupier of your home and a Home Contents Insurance policy covers this.
  • Underground Services. Pipes and cables supplying gas, electricity, oil or water, as well as sewage pipes, are insured against accidental damage, however the cover does not include damage caused by wear and tear.
  • Glass - In doors, windows and skylights is covered against breakage together with baths, washbasins and WCs.