Compare contents insurance
Get a quote and see what you could save on your contents insurance
TrustScore 4.7 | 30,383 reviewsWhat is contents insurance?
Contents insurance protects personal belongings, like your furniture, electronics, and clothes. It covers you if your stuff gets damaged, lost, or stolen, whether that's from a break-in, a burst pipe, or something else unexpected.
Do I need contents insurance?
You don’t have to get contents insurance; it’s not a legal must-have. But think about how much it would cost to replace everything in your home. If the answer is “a lot,” then it’s worth considering. Whether you own your place or rent, contents insurance gives you reassurance that you won’t be left out of pocket if something happens.
What are the different types of contents insurance?
When you compare, there are three main types of policies to consider:
Bedroom rated
Your insurer estimates your cover based on how many bedrooms you have. No need to add up your stuff yourself, but double-check the amount covers everything.
Sum insured
You calculate how much cover you need by totalling the value of your belongings. Be careful not to underestimate; if you use an amount that is too low, you may not be covered when you claim.
Unlimited sum insured
Everything in your home is covered without limits. It’s usually more expensive but ideal if you’ve got lots of valuables.
What level of cover do I need?
That depends on how much stuff you’ve got and how valuable it is. You’ll usually choose a level of cover based on the total value of your belongings. Go too low and you might not be fully covered; go too high and you might pay more than you need to.
To work out how much contents cover you need, make a list of everything you own. Then add up how much it would cost to replace everything on the list at today’s prices.
Online calculators can help you with this. Contents insurance will typically provide cover up to £50,000.
What does contents insurance cover?
It typically covers your belongings if they’re damaged or stolen due to:
- Fire
- Flood
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Burst pipes or water leaks
Some policies also include cover for things like garden furniture and outbuildings.
What's not covered?
Most policies won’t cover:
- General wear and tear
- Damage caused by pets
- Expensive items over a certain value unless you list them
- Belongings outside the home, unless you’ve added that extra cover
It’s always worth checking the policy details before you buy.
How much does contents insurance cost?
On average, contents insurance costs around £61.50*. Your quote might be higher or lower depending on things like where you live and how secure your home is.
| Number of bedrooms | Average annual cost* |
|---|---|
| 1 | £55.59 |
| 2 | £58.41 |
| 3 | £66.23 |
| 4 | £90.12 |
| 5 | £104.21 |
*Based on Uswitch data, June 2023 - 2025
How to get cheaper contents insurance
Here are some ways you can save money on your contents insurance:
- Compare quotes - Prices vary between insurers, so it’s worth shopping around.
- Pay annually - Paying once a year instead of monthly is often cheaper.
- Increase your excess - A higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay if you claim) usually means a lower premium. But only choose a higher excess if you can afford it.
- Improve home security - Burglar alarms, good locks, and even joining Neighbourhood Watch can help.
- Buy a combined policy - If you also need buildings insurance, combining both can work out cheaper.
Don’t pay twice - Got gadget or mobile phone insurance already? Check what’s covered; you might not need to add these extras to your contents policy.
Do I need combined buildings and contents insurance?
If you own your home, a combined policy could save you money. Bundling buildings and contents insurance together is often cheaper than buying them separately, and it means just one renewal date to keep track of. If you're renting, then you usually only need contents insurance. Your landlord is responsible for the building.
It also helps avoid double cover. If you take out a new policy but forget to cancel the old one, you could accidentally end up paying for two, and that’s not just a waste of money. Claiming on both could be seen as fraud. You only need one policy, so make sure the old one’s cancelled.
What contents insurance add-ons are available?
Want a bit more protection? You can add on extra cover for things your standard policy might not include:
Cover for items outside the home
This add-on covers your things, like your phone or watch, if they're lost, stolen, or damaged when you’re out and about.
Accidental damage cover
Standard policies don’t usually cover accidents like dropping your iPad and smashing the screen, but this add-on does. It can come in handy, especially if you have children.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need contents insurance if I'm renting?
Yes, if you want to protect your personal belongings. Your landlord won’t cover your things if there’s a fire or theft. Contents insurance makes sure you're not left out of pocket trying to replace everything.
What's the difference between home and contents insurance?
Home insurance often refers to buildings insurance, which covers the actual structure. Contents insurance protects your belongings. You can get them separately or together as one combined policy.
Do I need contents insurance if I'm a student?
It's worth considering, as student homes can be targeted for theft, as they tend to contain expensive belongings like laptops and phones. Some insurers offer specialist student cover.
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.
Do you have an expensive bike?
Expensive bicycles will also need specialist cover, as most standard contents insurance policies limit the amount you can claim back for loss or damage of a single item to £500
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