Top tips for cheaper home insurance

Home Insurance: Buildings and Contents Coverage Explained

Home insurance comprises two main components: buildings and contents insurance. You can purchase them individually or as a combined policy, depending on your specific needs. Having adequate home insurance is essential to protect your property and belongings from unforeseen events like fires or floods.

Key Tips for Saving on Home Insurance

Finding the right cover is crucial, but so is securing a good deal. Here are some top tips to help you avoid overpaying for your home insurance:

1. Pay Annually

Paying your premium annually is typically cheaper than monthly payments, which often include interest charges. This one-time payment means you won't have to think about your insurance for the next 12 months.

2. Opt for a Combined Policy

Consider buying a combined buildings and contents insurance policy. Insurers often offer discounts for purchasing both coverages together. However, this option is usually suitable only for freehold property owners. Leaseholders typically have buildings insurance covered by the freeholder, with costs passed on through ground rent.

3. Increase Your Voluntary Excess

Raising your voluntary excess (the amount you contribute towards a claim) can lower your premium. Ensure the excess is affordable, as setting it too high could make future claims unaffordable.

4. Tailor Your Cover

Only pay for the cover you need. Evaluate optional extras such as accidental damage, personal possessions cover, legal services, and home emergencies. Eliminate unnecessary add-ons to reduce costs.

5. Build a No-Claims Discount

Avoiding claims can earn you a no-claims discount, reducing your premium over time. Typically, this discount increases each year you remain claim-free, up to a maximum of five years.

6. Be Aware of Admin Charges

Review your policy for additional charges, such as fees for policy cancellations or changes to personal information. Monthly payment plans might include penalties for missed payments.

7. Maintain Your Home

Proper maintenance can prevent claim rejections. For example, keep gutters clean to avoid damp issues and hire professionals for plumbing and electrical work.

8. Enhance Home Security

Improving home security can lower your premium. Install approved burglar alarms, secure door and window locks, and consider security lighting and timers.

9. Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Participating in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can lead to insurance discounts due to lower crime rates in these areas. If no scheme exists, consider starting one.

10. Avoid Auto-Renewing

Always compare quotes before renewing your policy. New Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules aim to prevent price hikes for existing customers, but shopping around can still uncover better deals.

11. Minimise Business Use of Home

Regularly working from home can increase your premium, especially if your home is used for meetings or services. Inform your insurer of any business use.

12. Consider Who You Live With

The people in your household can affect your premium. For example, having a resident with a criminal record can increase costs.

13. Factor in Your Location

Your postcode can influence your premium. High crime rates, flood risks, or subsidence in your area may raise costs, while affluent areas might be more prone to burglaries.

14. Avoid Overinsuring

Overestimating the value of your contents can lead to higher premiums. Use a contents calculator to accurately assess your belongings.

15. Don't Underinsure

Ensure your cover matches the value of your contents and the cost to rebuild your home. Underinsuring can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim.

16. Protect Against Flooding

In flood-risk areas, take preventative measures like installing tiles instead of carpets, raising electrical sockets, and having sandbags ready. Know how to turn off utilities in an emergency.

17. Have Emergency Savings

Save money for minor repairs to avoid making claims for small expenses, especially if repair costs are less than your policy excess.

18. Review Your Policy Annually

At renewal time, reassess your coverage needs. Add new valuable items to your policy or adjust cover if household circumstances change, such as children moving out.

19. Always Compare Quotes

Before settling on a policy, compare quotes from multiple providers. This can save you both time and money by ensuring you get the best deal.

By following these tips, you can find the right home insurance cover that meets your needs while also saving money.