How to compare home insurance in the UK
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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.
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.
Common 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.