# How to compare home insurance in the UK

> Insurance · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Compare home insurance on rebuild cost (buildings), contents sum insured, excess levels, accidental damage cover, and whether buildings and contents are bundled. Use like-for-like quotes — the cheapest premium can leave you underinsured after a claim.

Home insurance is buildings cover, contents cover, or both. Comparison sites speed up quotes but you must enter accurate sums insured and understand exclusions. This guide explains what to match across quotes and when specialist cover beats a standard policy.

## Key facts

- Buildings sum insured = rebuild cost, not market value or purchase price
- Contents sum insured = cost to replace everything you own at today's prices
- Excess is what you pay per claim — higher excess lowers premium but raises your cost when claiming
- Accidental damage, legal expenses and home emergency cover are usually optional extras
- Flood cover is standard on most policies; high-risk areas use the Flood Re scheme

## What to compare on buildings cover

Enter the correct rebuild cost — use an ABI rebuild calculator or your insurer's tool. Underinsurance triggers average-clause reductions on claims.

Check subsidence excess (often higher than standard), escape of water cover, and whether the policy covers alternative accommodation if the home is uninhabitable.

Leasehold flats: confirm whether the freeholder insures the building and you only need contents.

## What to compare on contents cover

Walk room by room and total replacement cost. Include clothes, tech, furniture and carpets.

Check single-item limits for bikes, jewellery and laptops — high-value items may need named cover.

New-for-old cover replaces items with new equivalents; indemnity policies deduct wear and tear.

## Using comparison sites fairly

Use the same excess, cover type and optional extras on each quote. A £250 excess quote is not comparable to a £500 excess quote without adjusting.

Check insurer financial strength and claims reputation — not just premium. See our buildings vs contents guide for cover basics.

Renewal quotes often rise — compare every year or use a broker for non-standard properties.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is combined buildings and contents cheaper?

Often yes for convenience, but separate policies can be cheaper if you only need one type. Compare total cost both ways.

### Will a comparison search affect my credit score?

Home insurance quotes use soft searches — they do not affect your credit file. Pay-monthly instalments may involve a credit check.

### Do I need home insurance as a tenant?

Tenants need contents insurance only. The landlord insures the building.

## Primary source

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance

## Related

- [Buildings vs contents guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/buildings-vs-contents-insurance-explained/)
- [Home insurance explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/home-insurance-explained/)
- [Contents vs buildings compared](https://moneyguide.org.uk/compare/contents-vs-buildings-insurance/)
- [Featured offers*](https://moneyguide.org.uk/offers/#compare-home-insurance)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.