What is buildings insurance?

Our home insurance underwriters know the ins and outs of buildings insurance. In essence, they explain that it protects you financially by covering the structure of your property. This includes walls, windows, roofs, and even fixtures and fittings like your bath and toilet. So when there’s a problem, you'll receive financial and practical support to help you repair and restore your home and put it back the way it was.

Our guide includes everything you need to know about buildings insurance before you get a quote. We’ll explain what a typical policy covers, the optional extras available, and why it makes good sense to protect your home.

When you take out buildings insurance, you’re making sure the investment you made in your property is protected, should the worst happen.

Your insurer will reimburse you, up to a certain amount, should your home or certain fittings be damaged. 

Your cover also provides you with a living subsidy up to a certain limit, to help you fund alternative accommodation if your home can’t be lived in following a claim.

Some policies also offer a guarantee on any repairs made, should you use a tradesperson from an approved list.

To increase the cover of a standard buildings insurance policy, you often have a choice of optional extras. You can normally add them when you’re getting your quote and even any time during your policy.

These add-ons can include:

Contents cover complements buildings insurance, insuring items in your home, such as furniture and appliances.

Like buildings insurance, a policy will pay out for natural and accidental damage, as well as theft and vandalism. To find out more about this type of cover, read our guide to contents insurance.