Home and contents insurance protects your property and possessions. Building insurance covers the physical structure of your home (walls, roof, floors, built-in fixtures), while contents insurance covers your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing, valuables). You can buy them together or separately — renters only need contents insurance, while homeowners typically need both.
What it covers
- Fire, lightning, explosion damage
- Storm, flood, and natural disaster damage
- Theft and burglary
- Vandalism and malicious damage
- Water damage from burst pipes
- Impact damage (falling trees, vehicles)
- Temporary accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
- Legal liability for injuries on your property
What it doesn’t cover
- General wear and tear and gradual deterioration
- Damage from pests (termites, rodents)
- Unoccupied homes beyond the policy limit (typically 60–90 days)
- High-value items above sub-limits (unless specified)
- Flood damage in high-risk zones (some policies exclude this)
How to choose
Calculate your rebuild cost for building insurance — not the market value. For contents, add up the replacement cost of all your possessions. Consider whether you need accidental damage cover, portable valuables cover, and whether your excess is affordable. Renters should prioritize contents and liability coverage.