Home Insurance

Home insurance typically includes buildings cover and contents cover, but you can choose to take out buildings cover on its own if you don’t need contents protection. Buildings cover protects the structure of the property, such as walls, roof, floors and permanent fixtures, while contents cover protects personal belongings like furniture, clothing and electronics.

Policies often include protection against fire, theft, storm damage, escape of water and subsidence.

Any history of subsidence or flooding should be declared when purchasing your policy.

Limits, exclusions and excess levels vary between insurers.

If you own your home, buildings insurance is often required by mortgage lenders because it protects the property structure. Contents insurance protects belongings inside the home. Some people choose a combined policy for convenience, while others arrange each cover separately.

Tenants usually only need contents insurance, as the landlord is responsible for insuring the building.

Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of a property, including walls, roof, windows, fitted kitchens and bathrooms. It normally protects against risks such as fire, storm damage, flooding, subsidence and vandalism.

Cover is typically based on the rebuild cost of the home, not the market value. Accurate rebuild estimates help ensure the property is properly insured.

Contents insurance covers personal belongings within the home such as furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics and valuables. Some policies also include cover for items taken outside the home, depending on the level of cover selected.

High-value items such as jewellery or artwork may need to be listed separately to ensure full protection.

The rebuild cost of a home is the estimated amount required to reconstruct the property from the ground up if it were completely destroyed. It includes materials, labour, professional fees and site clearance.

This figure is often different from the market value of the property.

Rebuild cost calculators are available through organisations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The excess is the amount the policyholder pays towards a claim before the insurer covers the remaining cost. Policies usually include a compulsory excess and may allow an additional voluntary excess to reduce premiums.

Higher excess levels often result in lower premiums, but increase the amount payable if a claim is made.

Accidental damage cover protects against unexpected incidents such as spilling paint on carpets or damaging furniture. This cover is not always included as standard and may need to be added as an optional extra.

It is important to check policy details carefully to understand what types of accidents are covered and any exclusions that apply.

Typical exclusions may include general wear and tear, poor maintenance, gradual damage, pest infestations or mechanical breakdown. Some high-value items may require additional cover.

Policies also include limits for certain items. Reading the policy wording helps ensure the cover meets individual needs.

Some insurers offer specialist cover for high-value homes or valuable items such as jewellery, antiques or art. These policies may include higher limits and tailored cover features.

Accurate valuations are often required to ensure appropriate protection.

Specialist policies can provide cover that standard policies may not include.

Home insurance quotes are typically obtained by providing details about the property, including rebuild cost, postcode, security features and the level of cover required.

Accurate information helps ensure the quote reflects appropriate protection.

Many providers allow online comparison of cover options and policy features.

Quotes can be obtained directly through the Grove & Dean website.

Home insurance should be reviewed when circumstances change, such as renovations, extensions or purchasing valuable items. Regular reviews help ensure cover limits remain suitable and that the policy reflects current needs.

Updating details promptly can reduce the risk of underinsurance.

Grove & Dean can help review cover options to ensure protection remains appropriate as any circumstances change.