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Written by:
Richard Johnson
Ascot Protection Expert
Last Updated:
29.10.2024
Written by:
Richard Johnson
Ascot Protection Expert
Last Updated:
29.10.2024
What Do I Need to Get a Home Insurance Quote?
To obtain a home insurance quote, you’ll need specific details about your property, including:
- The build year and type of your home (detached, semi-detached, etc.).
- The approximate rebuild cost (this can be estimated or obtained from a survey).
- Details about any claims you’ve made in the past five years.
- Information on your home contents, including valuables like electronics and jewellery.
- Security measures like burglar alarms or locks.
By having these details handy, you can easily compare home insurance quotes across providers and choose the most suitable home insurance policy for your needs.
What Is Home Insurance?
Home insurance, also known as house insurance, is a type of cover designed to protect your home and belongings against risks such as fire, theft, and weather damage. Policies generally come in two forms:
- Buildings insurance – covers the physical structure of your property.
- Contents insurance – protects your possessions within the home.
Combined policies, known as buildings and contents insurance, provide comprehensive protection for both your house and the items inside.
Why Do I Need Home Insurance?
Whether you own a house or rent, having home insurance provides peace of mind that you’re protected financially in case of accidents or disasters. For homeowners, property insurance can cover the costs of repairs or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged. For renters, contents insurance protects your personal belongings.
Mortgage providers typically require homeowners to have buildings insurance to protect the loan collateral, which is your home.
What Type of Home Insurance Do I Need?
The type of home insurance you need depends on whether you own or rent the property.
Buildings Insurance
This type of policy covers the structure of your home. It includes permanent fixtures like the roof, walls, floors, and fitted kitchens. Buildings insurance can also cover external buildings such as garages and fences. If you’re a homeowner, this is an essential part of your policy.
Contents Insurance
If you want to protect the items within your home, contents insurance is the solution. This policy covers your possessions, such as furniture, electronics, and personal items, in case of theft, fire, or other damages.
House and Contents Insurance
For comprehensive protection, a buildings and contents insurance policy combines both types of cover, giving you security for both the property and its contents.
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
What’s Typically Covered?
Most home insurance policies cover the following:
- Damage caused by fire, lightning, or explosions
- Theft or attempted theft
- Vandalism or malicious damage
- Burst pipes and water damage
- Alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable
What’s Typically Not Covered?
Certain scenarios are often excluded from standard home insurance policies, such as:
- General wear and tear
- Acts of war or terrorism
- Flood damage (unless specified)
- Damage caused by pets
- Poor home maintenance
Always read your policy document carefully to understand the specifics.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?
What’s the Average Home Insurance Cost in the UK?
The cost of home insurance varies depending on factors such as location, home size, and the level of cover you need. On average, a combined buildings and contents insurance policy in the UK costs around £140–£200 annually.
What Is the Cheapest Homeowners’ Insurance?
For those looking for cheap home insurance, there are options available, especially if you choose a policy with a higher excess or fewer add-ons. Always compare home insurance quotes to find the best home insurance for your budget.
Automate Your Home Insurance Renewal Quotes
Some insurance providers offer automated renewal services, saving you the hassle of manually searching for home insurance quotes each year. However, always ensure you’re still getting the best deal by comparing providers to avoid paying more than necessary.
How Can I Get Cheaper Home Insurance?
To get cheap home insurance, you can:
- Increase your excess to lower premiums.
- Install security measures, such as burglar alarms.
- Combine buildings and contents insurance.
- Avoid claiming for minor issues, which could increase your premium.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Home Insurance?
Several factors impact the cost of home insurance, including:
- Location: Homes in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding, may have higher premiums.
- Property Type: The size, structure, and age of your home can affect the cost.
- Security: Adding security systems can lower your premiums.
- Excess: A higher excess reduces premiums but means you pay more in case of a claim.
Why Choose Us for Home Insurance?
At Ascot Mortgages, we work with leading home insurance providers to offer tailored policies that suit your needs. We focus on delivering competitive quotes, expert advice, and excellent customer service to ensure you have the best cover for your home and belongings.
What Home Insurance Add-ons Are Available?
Depending on your needs, there are several home insurance add-ons you can consider:
Home Emergency Cover
This add-on protects against unexpected issues like plumbing breakdowns, boiler failures, and electrical problems.
Accidental Damage Cover
Accidental damage cover extends to incidents such as spilling red wine on the carpet or breaking windows.
Personal Possessions
This cover protects valuable items like phones, jewellery, or laptops, even when they’re taken outside the home.
Alternative Accommodation
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, this add-on covers the cost of temporary housing.
Compare Home Insurance
It’s always a good idea to compare home insurance policies with us to ensure you’re getting the best cover at the most affordable price. Contact us today and we will help you to find the best option on the whole UK market.
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FAQ
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and provide details of the incident. Keep all relevant documents and photographs to support your claim.
In the UK, some insurers may check your credit score, which could affect your ability to spread the cost of premiums over monthly instalments.
Yes, most home insurance providers allow you to transfer your policy when you move. However, it’s essential to notify your insurer of the new property details.
Yes, though flood-risk properties often come with higher premiums. Some insurers provide specific flood cover policies.
You can estimate the rebuild cost of your home by using an online calculator or consulting a chartered surveyor.
Yes, farmhouses can be insured under standard home policies, though specific cover may be required depending on the property’s usage.
Typically, home insurance covers working from home for clerical work, but it may not cover business equipment or visitors.
If you’re struggling with payments, contact your insurer to discuss options, such as adjusting cover or payment schedules.
The amount of cover depends on your home’s rebuild cost and the value of your possessions. It’s vital to ensure you’re neither over-insured nor under-insured.
Valuables can be protected both inside and outside the home, but you’ll need personal possessions cover for items taken out of the house.
Yes, home insurance typically covers damage caused by leaks, though you must report the issue promptly.
Yes, many providers offer specialist policies for unoccupied properties, though these tend to be more expensive.
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