What Is Building Insurance?
Building insurance is a policy that covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your property if it’s damaged by unforeseen events. For homeowners with a mortgage, home insurance cover, including building insurance, is usually a requirement.
What’s Covered?
- Structural Elements: Walls, roofs, floors, and built-in features like kitchens and bathrooms.
- External Features: Garages, sheds, fences, and driveways.
- Rebuild Costs: Covers the total cost to rebuild your home.
Buildings and Contents Insurance: All-in-One Protection
Combining building insurance with contents insurance gives homeowners and landlords comprehensive protection. While building insurance covers the property structure, contents insurance safeguards your personal belongings.
Why Choose Combined Coverage?
There are several options available to suit different needs. Here are the most common types:
Convenience
Manage one policy for both your property and possessions.
Cost Savings
Bundling policies often reduces overall premiums.
Complete Peace of Mind
Covers structural damage as well as accidental spills on your sofa or stolen electronics.
What’s Included in Contents Insurance?
- Personal Possessions: Electronics, furniture, jewellery, and other valuables.
- Accidental Damage Cover: Optional protection for mishaps like spills or breakages.
- Escape of Water: Protects against damage caused by leaks or burst pipes.
Unoccupied Building Insurance: Protecting Empty Properties
A vacant property faces unique risks, and standard home insurance cover often doesn’t apply if a property is left empty for 30 days or more. Whether you’re renovating, between tenants, or away for an extended period, unoccupied building insurance provides tailored protection.
Who Needs Unoccupied Home Insurance Cover?
- Landlords: Cover for rental properties awaiting new tenants.
- Homeowners: Protection for homes left empty during sales or renovations.
- Holiday Homeowners: Safeguard for second homes that remain unoccupied for long periods.
What Does It Cover?
- Structural Damage: Protection against fire, floods, and storms.
- Vandalism and Theft: Coverage for break-ins and property damage.
- Flexibility: Options for short-term or long-term policies to suit your needs.
Why Is It Important?
Vacant properties are more prone to risks like wear and tear, burst pipes, or theft. Unoccupied home insurance cover ensures your property is protected until it’s occupied again.
Key Features of Building Insurance
When choosing a policy, consider these key features:
- Level of Cover: Ensure your policy covers the full cost of rebuilding your property.
- Accidental Damage Protection: Add this option for extra peace of mind.
- Customisation Options: Include outbuildings, home offices, or high-value items like jewellery.
- Claim Support: Opt for insurers with straightforward claims processes to minimise stress.
Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
- Understand Your Needs:
Decide whether you need standalone building insurance, combined buildings and contents insurance, or unoccupied home insurance cover.
- Compare Policies:
Use online tools to compare features, costs, and coverage options.
- Check the Details:
Review terms and conditions, particularly exclusions like general wear and tear or neglect.
- Bundle and Save:
Many insurers offer discounts when you combine building and contents insurance.
FAQs About Building Insurance
Is building insurance mandatory for homeowners?
If you have a mortgage, most lenders require building insurance as part of the loan agreement.
What’s the difference between building and contents insurance?
Building insurance covers the structure, while contents insurance protects personal belongings inside the property.
Do I need unoccupied home insurance cover for an empty property?
Yes, if your property is vacant for over 30 days, standard insurance may not cover it. Unoccupied building insurance provides tailored protection.
Can I combine buildings and contents insurance?
Yes, many insurers offer combined policies for convenience and cost savings.
What if I rent out my property?
Specialist landlord policies often combine building insurance with additional protections, such as liability cover.
Why Choose The Landlords Broker?
At The Landlords Broker, we understand the importance of protecting your property, whether it’s your home or an investment. Here’s how we can help:
Expert Advice
Tailored recommendations for your property’s needs.
Wide Insurer Network
Access to competitive rates and comprehensive policies.
Clear Policies
Simple explanations of terms and conditions, so you know exactly what’s covered.
Flexible Solutions
From unoccupied home insurance cover to buildings and contents insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Secure Your Property Today
Don’t leave your property unprotected. Contact The Landlords Broker to explore tailored building insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or unoccupied home insurance cover options. Let us help you find the perfect policy for your needs.