Home insurance protects your property and possessions against damage, theft, and other risks. This guide compares the best UK home insurance providers to help you find the right cover.
Best Home Insurance at a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Defaqto Rating | Starting From* |
|---|---|---|---|
| LV= | Overall cover | 5 Star | ~£120/year |
| Admiral | Online management | 5 Star | ~£100/year |
| Direct Line | Customer service | 5 Star | ~£130/year |
| Aviva | Established provider | 5 Star | ~£125/year |
| John Lewis | Trusted brand | 5 Star | ~£140/year |
| Hiscox | High-value homes | 5 Star | ~£250/year |
| Lemonade | Budget & app experience | N/A | ~£80/year |
| Policy Expert | Price comparison | 4 Star | ~£90/year |
*Prices are indicative for combined buildings & contents for an average 3-bed house. Your quote depends on property type, location, and personal circumstances.
Types of Home Insurance
Buildings Insurance
Covers the physical structure of your home:
- ✅ Walls, roof, floors, ceilings
- ✅ Fitted kitchens and bathrooms
- ✅ Permanent fixtures (built-in wardrobes)
- ✅ Garages, sheds, outbuildings
- ✅ Driveways, patios, fences, gates
- ✅ Underground pipes and cables
Who needs it: Homeowners (usually required by mortgage lenders)
Who doesn’t: Renters (landlord’s responsibility)
Contents Insurance
Covers your belongings:
- ✅ Furniture and furnishings
- ✅ Electronics (TVs, laptops, phones)
- ✅ Clothing and personal items
- ✅ Kitchen appliances (freestanding)
- ✅ Jewellery and valuables
- ✅ Bicycles (often with limits)
Who needs it: Almost everyone - renters and homeowners alike
Combined Buildings & Contents
Most homeowners buy combined policies, which often work out cheaper than separate policies and are simpler to manage.
Best Home Insurance Providers Reviewed
1. LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
Best for: Overall comprehensive cover
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Optional add-on |
| Legal cover | Optional add-on |
| Home emergency | Optional add-on |
Pros:
- Excellent cover as standard
- Generous single item limits
- Good claims experience
- UK-based call centres
- Multi-policy discounts available
Cons:
- Not always cheapest on comparison sites
- Some add-ons increase cost
Best for: Those wanting comprehensive cover from a trusted insurer
2. Admiral
Best for: Online management and flexibility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Included on premium policies |
| Multi-car discount | Available if you have Admiral car insurance |
Pros:
- Easy online portal
- Multi-product discounts
- Flexible cover options
- Good value mid-range
- No claim discount
Cons:
- Basic policies less comprehensive
- Customer service reviews mixed
Best for: Existing Admiral customers, those wanting easy online management
3. Direct Line
Best for: Customer service excellence
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Optional (included on Plus policies) |
| Claims | Direct repair service |
Pros:
- Highly rated customer service
- Direct repair network (quality tradespeople)
- Covers most items as standard
- Good for high-value properties
- Not on comparison sites (may have exclusive deals)
Cons:
- Often more expensive
- Must get quote directly
- No multi-policy discount with other insurers
Best for: Those prioritising service over price
4. Aviva
Best for: Established provider with good cover
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| New for old | ✅ |
| 24/7 home emergency | Included on premium |
| Garden cover | Good limits |
Pros:
- Long-established insurer
- Good standard cover
- Strong financial security
- Included legal helpline
- Various tiers to choose from
Cons:
- Price varies significantly by quote
- Renewal prices can jump
- Basic policies miss some features
Best for: Those wanting a big-name insurer with proven reliability
5. John Lewis
Best for: Trust and straightforward policies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| Underwriter | RSA |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Optional |
Pros:
- John Lewis brand trust
- Clear, simple policies
- Good standard cover
- UK call centres
- Price match offered
Cons:
- Premiums often higher
- Less flexible than some
- Limited online self-service
Best for: Those valuing brand trust and simplicity
6. Hiscox
Best for: High-value homes and contents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
| Target market | High-net-worth |
| Art and collectibles | Specialist cover |
| Single item limit | Unlimited (with valuation) |
Pros:
- No single item limits (with valuation)
- Covers high-risk items others won’t
- Art, antiques, and collectibles specialists
- Accidental damage included
- Worldwide contents cover
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Not for average homes
- May require valuations
Best for: Homes with valuable art, antiques, or high-value contents
7. Lemonade
Best for: Budget cover and modern app
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Contents only |
| App-based | ✅ (AI-powered) |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Instant claims | Yes (via app) |
| Giveback | Unclaimed premiums to charity |
Pros:
- Very competitive pricing
- Excellent app experience
- Fast claims process
- Ethical approach (B Corp)
- No paperwork
Cons:
- Contents only (no buildings)
- Newer to UK market
- Cover limits lower than traditional
- Less personalised service
Best for: Renters wanting cheap, easy contents cover
8. Policy Expert
Best for: Competitive pricing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover type | Buildings, contents, combined |
| Defaqto rating | 4 Star |
| New for old | ✅ |
| Online only | Primarily |
Pros:
- Often among cheapest quotes
- Decent cover for price
- Easy online process
- UK-based
Cons:
- Not 5-star cover
- Customer service reviews mixed
- Some limitations on claims
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting basic solid cover
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Buildings Insurance Typically Covers
| Event | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Fire | ✅ |
| Flood and storm | ✅ |
| Theft and vandalism | ✅ |
| Burst pipes | ✅ |
| Subsidence | ✅ (excess may be high) |
| Falling trees | ✅ |
| Impact (vehicle) | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Usually optional |
Contents Insurance Typically Covers
| Event | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Theft | ✅ |
| Fire | ✅ |
| Flood and storm | ✅ |
| Burst pipes | ✅ |
| Accidental damage | Usually optional |
| Away from home | Often limited |
| Freezer contents | ✅ |
| Garden items | Limited cover |
Common Exclusions
- ❌ Wear and tear
- ❌ Gradual deterioration
- ❌ Poor maintenance
- ❌ Deliberate damage
- ❌ Unoccupied for 30+ days (without notification)
- ❌ Items left outside
- ❌ Certain high-risk items without declaration
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?
Average Annual Costs
| Cover Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Buildings only | £100-200 |
| Contents only | £80-150 |
| Combined | £150-350 |
What Affects Price?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Property value | Higher = more expensive |
| Location | Some areas cost more (flood/crime risk) |
| Claims history | Previous claims increase price |
| Security | Better security = lower premium |
| Excess | Higher excess = lower premium |
| Age of property | Older can be more expensive |
| Occupation | Some jobs affect price |
Tips to Reduce Costs
- Increase your excess - £250 instead of £100 can save 10-15%
- Improve security - Alarms, locks, and security lights
- Pay annually - Monthly payments usually cost more
- Don’t over-insure - Calculate actual rebuild cost
- Shop around yearly - Loyalty doesn’t pay
- Multi-policy discount - Bundle with car insurance
- No claims discount - Build up claim-free years
How to Calculate Cover Amounts
Buildings Insurance
You need to insure the rebuild cost, not the market value:
| Property Type | Typical Rebuild Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £100,000-150,000 |
| 2-bed house | £150,000-200,000 |
| 3-bed semi | £200,000-300,000 |
| 4-bed detached | £300,000-500,000 |
Use the ABI calculator for a more accurate estimate.
Contents Insurance
Add up the replacement cost of everything you own:
| Room | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Living room | £5,000-15,000 |
| Kitchen | £2,000-5,000 |
| Bedroom | £3,000-8,000 each |
| Bathroom | £500-2,000 |
| Electronics | £2,000-5,000 |
| Clothing | £2,000-10,000 |
Average contents value: £35,000-50,000
Don’t underinsure - if you claim for £10,000 but are only insured for £20,000 when your contents are worth £40,000, you may only receive 50% of your claim.
Home Insurance Tips
Buying Tips
- Get multiple quotes - Compare on 2-3 comparison sites plus direct
- Check excesses - Subsidence excess can be £1,000+
- Read single item limits - Typically £1,000-2,500 per item
- List high-value items - Specify anything over the single item limit
- Check lock requirements - Some policies require specific locks
Claims Tips
- Document your possessions - Photos, receipts, videos
- Report quickly - Most policies require prompt notification
- Don’t dispose of damaged items - Keep for inspection
- Get repair quotes - Know what you’re claiming for
- Check your excess - Small claims may not be worth it
Best Home Insurance by Category
| Category | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| Best overall | LV= |
| Best customer service | Direct Line |
| Best for budget | Lemonade (contents) / Policy Expert |
| Best for high-value homes | Hiscox |
| Best app experience | Lemonade |
| Best for trusted brand | John Lewis |
| Best for existing customers | Admiral (if you have other policies) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need buildings and contents insurance?
If you own your home, you need buildings insurance (your mortgage lender usually requires it). Contents insurance is optional but highly recommended for everyone - renters and homeowners - to protect your belongings. Most homeowners buy combined policies for convenience and savings.
What's the difference between new for old and indemnity cover?
‘New for old’ replaces items with new equivalents regardless of age (most policies). ‘Indemnity’ pays the current value of items (depreciated). New for old is better - you get a new TV if yours breaks. Indemnity might give you much less for an older item. Check your policy type.
Is accidental damage cover worth it?
Accidental damage covers you for mistakes - spilling wine on the carpet, drilling through a pipe, your child breaking the TV. It adds £20-50/year to your policy. If you have children, pets, or are prone to accidents, it’s often worth it. Some policies include it as standard on premium tiers.
Does home insurance cover flooding?
Most policies cover flooding, but if your property is in a high-risk flood area, cover may be limited, expensive, or unavailable. Check the Flood Re scheme - many insurers participate, making flood cover available even for high-risk properties. Always disclose flood history and check policy terms.
Why did my renewal price increase so much?
Insurers often raise prices at renewal, hoping you won’t notice. This can be 20-50%+ increase. Always shop around at renewal - you can often find the same cover cheaper elsewhere. Your current insurer may also match a better quote if you call and negotiate.
What if I leave my home unoccupied?
Most policies limit cover if your home is unoccupied for 30+ consecutive days. You may need to notify your insurer, and some cover (like theft or water damage) may be excluded during long absences. If you’ll be away for extended periods, check your policy and consider specialist unoccupied property insurance.
Prices and cover details correct at time of writing but may change. Always check current policy documents. This is not financial advice.