Should I pay home insurance annually or monthly?

Key takeaways

• Paying your home insurance annually is usually cheaper

• Monthly instalments have a higher overall cost due to interest, initial deposit required and possible credit check

• Not paying your monthly premiums on time and in full could mean voiding your cover

Is it better to pay for home insurance annually or monthly?

Annually, if you can afford to. It's usually cheaper and one-time payment means you’ll be covered for the entire year without having to budget for monthly payments. It's a straightforward, ‘one-and-done’ transaction.

Opting for monthly payments means your provider is basically lending you the cost of the policy, so will charge interest. Over the year, the interest added to each monthly payment usually means a higher total cost than if you'd paid the full amount upfront. 

Can you pay monthly for home insurance? 

Yes. Lots of providers offer you the choice to pay for home insurance in monthly instalments, typically by Direct Debit.

How do I pay monthly for home insurance?

If you decide to pay for your home insurance monthly, your provider will set up a Direct Debit when you buy your policy. This allows monthly payments to be automatically deducted from your bank account or charged to your credit card. It simplifies the process for the provider and means you’re less likely to miss a payment.

What does paying monthly do to my home insurance premiums? 

For starters, don’t expect every payment to be the same each month.

You’ll probably need to pay an initial deposit equivalent to one or two months' payments. The remaining total cost of your policy is then divided over the remaining 10 or 11 months, which could mean higher monthly payments. 

Insurance providers will probably do a credit check if you decide to pay monthly, too. This offers a snapshot of your current financial position and your debt history, and provides an overall credit score based on that history.

A lower credit score often means a higher average cost, making your monthly payments more expensive in turn. To stay ahead of the game, use MoneySuperMarket’s credit score to check your score for free without affecting it - and to get personalised tips on how to improve your numbers. 

What happens if I don't pay my home insurance premiums?

Not paying your premiums on time and in full could mean voiding your cover and not receiving an all-important pay out just when you need it.

Do monthly home insurance policies auto-renew?

Yes, a lot of home insurance policies are set up to auto-renew, regardless of whether you pay monthly or annually. Insurers must inform you before they auto-renew your policy but they can -and often do - increase the price.

At the end of your policy term, review your home insurance needs to avoid falling into this classic auto-renew trap and paying more than you need to. Set a calendar reminder to shop around for a cheaper home insurance quote that covers your needs and makes the most of any no claims discounts, voluntary excesses, and things like beefed up home security.

How can I find cheaper home insurance?

At the end of the day, how you pay for your home insurance cover isn’t half as important as what you’re paying for. Making sure you’ve got the right level of cover for your individual needs and circumstances will help cut out the cost of unnecessary cover without leaving you underinsured.

Whether you’re most concerned about home emergencies, accidental damage cover, personal possessions and valuables, or overall peace of mind, it’s quick and easy to compare home insurance prices with MoneySuperMarket.