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TrustScore 4.7 | 30,507 reviewsWhat does building insurance cover?
Buildings insurance covers the permanent fixtures and structure of your home. This typically includes:
- The roof, walls, and windows
- Built-in kitchens and bathroom suites
- Pipes and drains
- Some policies also cover garages, sheds and fences
It typically protects against unexpected or accidental damage caused by:
- Fire
- Storms and floods
- Subsidence
- Theft and vandalism
- Burst pipes and water leaks
Always check the policy documents, as some insurers may exclude certain types of damage or require additional cover for outbuildings.
When do I need to buy buildings insurance?
If you’re buying a home with a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have buildings insurance in place by the time you exchange contracts. This protects their investment in case something goes wrong before the sale is completed.
Buildings insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s still worth considering because without it, you could face an expensive repair bill if something goes wrong.
Do I have to take out both buildings and contents insurance?
No, you can buy buildings insurance separately from contents insurance. Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, while contents insurance protects your personal belongings inside it.
You might want to consider a combined buildings and contents home insurance policy if you want both types of protection. In some circumstances you may only need one or the other, for example, if you’re a landlord or a tenant living in rented accommodation.
How much does buildings insurance cost?
On average, buildings insurance costs £187.68* per year. But costs can vary depending on:
- The rebuild cost of your property
- Your home’s location and local crime rates
- The age and construction type of your home
- Whether you've made claims in the past
- Any additional extras you choose to add on to your policy
*Based on Uswitch data from June 2023 - June 2025
How can I save money on buildings insurance for my home?
Always ensure you're still getting the right level of cover for your needs rather than just going for the cheapest. Here's how you could save money on your insurance without compromising on the quality of your cover:
- Compare quotes
Shop around to get a range of prices from different insurers.
- Increase your excess
A higher voluntary home insurance excess usually lowers your premium, but you need to ensure this is an affordable amount that you'd be able to pay out if something did happen.
- Install security measures
Burglar alarms, secure locks, and cameras can all reduce risk.
- Pay annually
Paying for your policy annually than monthly can save money.
- Bundle policies
Some providers offer discounts if you buy buildings and contents insurance together. in a combined policy.
Circumstances that could invalidate your home insurance policy
Your insurer may refuse a claim if you haven’t followed the terms of your policy. Things that can invalidate your home insurance include:
- Not informing your insurer of renovations or building work
- Leaving the property unoccupied for long periods
- Failing to maintain your home properly
- Providing incorrect information when applying
- Not having the right locks or security measures in place
Read the small print carefully and keep your insurer up to date with any changes.
What do I need to know before buying buildings insurance?
Before taking out a policy, you should:
- Work out the rebuild cost of your home - not its market value
- Check what's covered and what exclusions apply
- Decide on any optional extras like accidental damage or legal cover
- Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you get the best deal
If you’re a landlord or own a listed property, look for specialist buildings insurance that covers your specific needs.
How do I find the best building insurance?
There are many companies offering cheap building insurance, although your decision on which buildings insurance policy to buy should not be based on price alone.
You can find the best deal on building insurance by shopping around to compare costs and cover by using the Uswitch online home insurance comparison tool. We will look at buildings insurance deals across the market and help you narrow down what cover you need and how much you need to insure your home.
Find home insurance cover that’s right for you
While standard home insurance work for most people, there are also specialised home insurance policies that might be more suited to your needs.
Could you get a better deal on your building insurance?
Our home insurance comparison service is free and simple – and could save you money when you compare and switch.
