Buildings Insurance
Covers your home’s structure, including the roof, walls, floors and permanent fixtures
What is buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance is a type of home insurance that covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the permanent structure of your home if it's damaged as a result of an insured event.
The structure of your home usually refers to the building (the walls, roof, floors and extensions) and permanent fixtures (built-in wardrobes, bathroom suites and fitted kitchens). These parts of your home will be covered against damage resulting from flooding, fire or an explosion, subsidence and heave, storm damage, and vandalism.
Some homes may require specialist home insurance, usually because of non-standard construction, listed status, high value, periods of inoccupancy, high risk of flooding or subsidence, or business use.
How does buildings cover work?
If your home is damaged, you'll be able to claim for the cost of any damage so long as it results from an event that you're insured for. You'll either need to pay for the repairs yourself before claiming back the cost from your insurer, or you'll submit the claim to the insurer who will pay for and sometimes even arrange the necessary repairs.
You'll usually need to pay a part of the claim amount yourself - this is called the excess, and it's usually split into the compulsory amount set by your insurer, and a voluntary extra amount you can choose to pay. Your insurer will pay the rest, and the amount of excess will often depend on the amount and type of claim you make.
Some claims might require your insurer to assess the damage and necessary repairs, while others will require you to show proof, so it's usually a good idea to collect any evidence of damage if and when it occurs - such as photos or videos.
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Who needs buildings insurance?
Buildings cover isn't mandatory - but it might be more useful for certain people or circumstances:
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You might need buildings insurance if
You're a property owner: If you own a home then taking out buildings insurance is worth considering when you think about the cost of home repairs. Some mortgage lenders even require you to have buildings cover in place
You're a landlord: If you're a landlord, you'll be financially and legally responsible for the building's maintenance and repairs, so it's good to have cover in place
You own a freehold flat: If you own your flat outright, or if you own the freehold with others, then insuring the property will be your responsibility
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You don't need buildings insurance if
You're a renter: If you're renting, your landlord will be responsible for insuring the building - however, covering your contents will be down to you
You own a leasehold flat: If you're a leaseholder, check with the freeholder as they may have their own buildings insurance in place. You'll usually pay a service charge that covers this
What's the difference between buildings and contents insurance?
You can usually take out separate buildings and contents insurance policies, while many providers also offer combined home insurance that includes both.
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Contents Insurance
Covers belongings inside your home, such as furniture, clothing, appliances and electronics
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Combined Home Insurance
Brings buildings and contents cover together in one policy, with one provider and renewal date
What does buildings insurance cover?
The specific types of cover you'll get from your policy will depend on the provider and level of cover you choose - but most good buildings insurance will include the following:
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Fire damage
Covers damage to your home caused by fire, smoke or an explosion
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Storm damage
Covers structural damage caused by severe weather, such as high winds
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Flooding
Covers damage to your home caused by floodwater entering the property
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Burst pipes
Covers damage caused by water escaping from pipes or fixed heating systems
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Trace and access
Helps cover the cost of finding and reaching the source of a water leak
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Subsidence
Covers damage caused by the ground beneath your home sinking or shifting
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Burglary and theft
Covers structural damage caused by thieves breaking into or leaving your home
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Alternative accommodation
Helps pay for somewhere else to stay if your home becomes uninhabitable
What parts of my building are covered?
Buildings insurance policies can differ between providers and levels of cover - and insurance may apply differently if you are covering a flat.
Does buildings insurance cover the roof?
Yes, your roof is normally covered as part of your home’s structure if it is damaged by an insured event, such as a fire or storm. However, damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance or an existing problem is unlikely to be covered.
Does buildings insurance cover windows and doors?
Yes, fixed windows and external doors are generally covered against insured events such as fire, storms, vandalism and attempted theft. Accidental breakage may only be covered if your policy includes the appropriate accidental damage protection.
Does buildings insurance cover flooring?
Buildings insurance usually covers structural floors and permanently fitted flooring, such as floor tiles. Carpets and removable rugs are generally treated as contents, while gradual damage and wear and tear are excluded.
Does buildings insurance cover sheds and garages?
Garages, sheds and other permanent outbuildings are often covered if they fall within your property’s boundaries. Belongings kept inside them require contents insurance and may be subject to separate limits.
Does buildings insurance cover fences and gates?
Fences and gates may be included as part of your property, but storm damage to them is commonly excluded. Cover for damage caused by other insured events will depend on the policy.
Does buildings insurance cover solar panels?
Permanently fitted solar panels may be covered as part of your building, although cover varies between insurers. Tell your insurer when panels are installed and check whether accidental damage is included.
What's excluded from buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance policies usually have a number of exclusions for which cover is not provided - while these are often consistent across providers, you should check your policy to be sure.
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Deliberate damage
Damage caused intentionally by you or someone in your household
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Building work
Major renovations may need specialist cover or advance insurer approval
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Unoccupied homes
Cover may be limited if your home is empty for an extended period
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Faulty workmanship
Damage caused by poor-quality building work or unsuitable materials
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Damp and condensation
Gradual damage from damp, mould or condensation is usually excluded
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Pest damage
Damage caused by insects, birds, rodents or other vermin
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Pre-existing damage
Problems that began before your policy started are not covered
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Poor maintenance
Damage caused by failing to keep your home in good condition
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Wear and tear
Damage caused by ageing, everyday use or gradual deterioration
What extras can I get with buildings insurance?
You'll usually have the chance to add extras on to your buildings insurance policy to bolster your cover, but keep in mind they'll add to your premiums.
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Accidental damage
Adds cover for unexpected mishaps, such as drilling through a pipe or damaging a fitted bathroom fixture.
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Home emergency
Provides urgent help with household emergencies, such as a burst pipe, heating failure or broken external lock.
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Legal protection
Helps cover legal costs for certain disputes, such as property, employment or personal injury claims.
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Key cover
Helps pay for replacement keys and locks if your house keys are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged.
How much does buildings insurance cost?
The average cost of a buildings insurance policy is £198.16
The number of bedrooms your home has can be a good indicator of how much you'll pay for cover - the more bedrooms you have, the higher your premiums will likely be.
When is the best time to renew my buildings insurance?
In general, it's cheaper to buy buildings insurance three weeks before your renewal is due. According to our most recent data, the best time to renew your buildings insurance is 25
What affects the cost of buildings insurance?
Insurers consider your property, location, claims history and chosen cover when calculating your premium - some factors are fixed, while others give you more control over the price.
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Rebuild cost
Homes that cost more to rebuild usually cost more to insure
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Property type
Larger, older or non-standard homes can require more expensive repairs
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Location
Flooding, subsidence, crime and local claims levels may affect your quote
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Claims history
Previous home insurance claims can influence how insurers assess future risk
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Your excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess may reduce your premium
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Level of cover
Higher limits and optional extras can increase the price of your policy
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Occupancy
Your premiums may go up if you leave your home unoccupied for long periods
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Security
Approved locks and alarms may reduce risk, although discounts vary by insurer
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How you pay
Paying annually can cost less overall than monthly instalments with added interest
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How much buildings cover do I need?
You need enough buildings insurance to cover the full cost of rebuilding your home - this is known as its rebuild cost and is different from its sale price or market value.
Rebuild cost: What it would cost to reconstruct your home
Market value: What someone might pay to buy your home and its land
Annual rise in rebuilding cost:
4.1%^
The ABI/BCIS index recorded annual rebuilding-cost growth of 4.1% in June 2026.
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What affects the rebuild value of my home?
The following factors will influence the cost of rebuilding your house if it is destroyed:
Size and floor area
The larger your property, the more materials, labour and time it will usually take to rebuild fully.
Age of the property
Older properties may need specialist materials or traditional methods, which can make rebuilding cost more.
Building materials
Stone, timber, thatch and other non-standard materials can be more costly or difficult to replace.
Location and access
Regional labour rates, transport costs and difficult site access can all make rebuilding more expensive.
Listed or unusual features
Listed status and bespoke architectural details may require specialist approval, materials and craftspeople.
Extensions and outbuildings
Extensions, loft conversions, garages and permanent outbuildings can all increase the total rebuild cost.
How do I calculate my rebuild cost?
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Check your documents
Your mortgage valuation, property survey or existing policy may include an estimated rebuild cost.
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Use a rebuild calculator
The free ABI/BCIS calculator can estimate the rebuild cost of many standard UK homes.
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Ask a surveyor
A chartered surveyor can assess listed, unusual or non-standard properties more accurately.
Do I need specialist buildings insurance?
Buildings come in all shapes and sizes, so if you're insuring a home that doesn't quite fit standard buildings insurance, you may require specialist cover.
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Non-standard homes
Timber, concrete, modular or other unusual construction may need tailored cover
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Listed buildings
Heritage rules and specialist materials can make repairs more complex and costly
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Thatched-roof homes
Greater fire risk and specialist repairs can limit the standard policies available
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Homes with flat roofs
A large flat-roof area may increase leak risk and reduce your choice of insurers
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Self-build
Properties you build yourself often need dedicated insurance
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Home renovation
Carrying out major building work may fall outside standard policy terms
Things to look out for with buildings insurance policies
When you compare buildings insurance policies, keep an eye out for the following details to make sure you're getting the right policy at the best possible price.
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Rebuild limit
Is your rebuild limit fixed, bedroom-rated or unlimited?
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Excesses
Check how much your compulsory, voluntary and event-specific excess is
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Core cover
Compare water, storm, subsidence, alternative accommodation and liability
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Cover limits
Look at trace and access, outbuildings, and temporary accommodation
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Exclusions
Especially occupancy, maintenance, flat roofs, renovations and previous damage
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Optional extras
Buy only those that add useful protection as the costs can quickly add up
Our expert says…
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you compare; the average household insurance claim reached £6,340
^ in early 2026, while the average subsidence claim was £17,820^ . Make sure you check your policy’s rebuild limit, excesses, exclusions and optional cover carefully, so you know what protection you’ll have if something goes wrong.
Sara Newell Motor & Home Insurance Expert
How do I compare buildings insurance quotes?
Is buildings insurance a legal requirement?
No, buildings insurance is not required by law. However, your mortgage lender or lease may require you to have it, and without cover you would need to pay for repairs or rebuilding yourself.
Do I need buildings insurance for a mortgage?
Most mortgage lenders require buildings insurance as a condition of the loan. Your cover will usually need to be enough to rebuild the property if it is completely destroyed.
When should buildings insurance start when buying a home?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, cover should usually begin when you exchange contracts, as you become responsible for the property at that point. The process differs in Scotland, so check the start date with your solicitor and lender.
Do I need buildings insurance if I own my home outright?
It is not compulsory if you do not have a mortgage, but it is still worth considering. Without insurance, you would have to meet the full cost of repairing or rebuilding your home yourself.
Do leaseholders need buildings insurance?
The freeholder or managing agent usually arranges cover for the whole building, with leaseholders contributing through a service charge. If you share the freehold, you may be jointly responsible, so check your lease or ask your solicitor.
What happens if my home is underinsured?
Your policy may not provide enough to cover the full rebuilding cost, leaving you to pay the shortfall. Some policies also contain an average clause that may reduce smaller claims in proportion to the amount of underinsurance.
How long can my home be left unoccupied?
Many policies restrict cover if your home is empty for an extended period, commonly around 30 or 60 days. Tell your insurer in advance, as you may need to meet special conditions or arrange unoccupied home insurance.
What can invalidate buildings insurance?
Giving inaccurate information, failing to report important changes or deliberately making a false claim could lead to your cover being changed or cancelled, or a claim being reduced or rejected. You should also follow policy conditions relating to maintenance, occupancy and building work.
Does buildings insurance cover boilers?
Your boiler may be covered if it is damaged by an insured event, such as a fire or flood. A mechanical breakdown is not normally covered unless you have home emergency or separate boiler cover.
How do I make a buildings insurance claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible and explain what happened. Take photos, keep receipts and avoid disposing of damaged items unless necessary, as the insurer may want to inspect them.
Can I change buildings insurance providers before renewal?
Yes, you can usually cancel and switch at any time, although you may have to pay a cancellation fee. Arrange your new policy before ending the old one to avoid a gap in cover, particularly if you have a mortgage.
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Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy home insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
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Reviewed on 6 Aug 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Accurate as of 07 August 2026.
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in June 2026.
The annual premium that 10% of our customers paid in June 2026 where the cover type purchased was buildings insurance.
Based on Home Insurance enquiries on MoneySuperMarket between 2025-01-01 and 2025-04-01 where the quote was for buildings covertype.
Based on Home Insurance enquiries on MoneySuperMarket between 2025-01-01 and 2025-04-01 where the quote was for buildings covertype.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in June 2026.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in June 2026.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in June 2026.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in June 2026.
Home insurers pay out £846 million to support households, July 2026, https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2026/5/home-insurers-pay-out-846-million-to-support-households/
Home insurers pay out £846 million to support households, July 2026, https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2026/5/home-insurers-pay-out-846-million-to-support-households/
Based on 1 visit per month – average ticket value £15.30 (Oct 24)
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
T&Cs apply, click here for more information
BCIS House Rebuilding Cost Index, 2025 June. https://www.bcis.co.uk/insight/index-bcis-house-rebuilding-cost-index/
