Home Insurance Guide | Tips from Connect Brokers. Protecting your home is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, understanding home insurance and getting the right deal matters. This guide from Connect Brokers breaks down the essentials of buildings and contents insurance, tips to save money, and how to get cover that suits your property and lifestyle.
What Is Home Insurance?
Home insurance is a policy that protects your property and belongings. It typically comes in two forms:
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Buildings Insurance – Covers the structure of your home: walls, roof, windows, fixtures, and permanent fittings like kitchens and bathrooms.
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Contents Insurance – Covers the movable items inside: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothes, and valuables.
Some insurers offer combined policies, while others let you purchase each separately depending on your needs.
Do I Really Need It?
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Mortgage Requirement: If you have a mortgage, buildings insurance is usually mandatory.
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Peace of Mind: Even if you own your home outright, protecting it from fire, flood, or theft can save you from unexpected costs.
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Landlords and Tenants: Landlords often need buildings cover, while tenants may only need contents insurance. See our Landlord Insurance Guide for tailored advice.
How to Get the Best Home Insurance Deal
To get the right cover at the right price, consider the following:
1. Shop Around
Don’t auto-renew. Compare different providers using broker services or comparison tools. We recommend speaking with an expert, such as a Connect Brokers adviser, who can access specialist deals and help you avoid overpaying.
2. Check What’s Included
Look beyond price. Does the policy cover:
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Accidental damage?
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Legal expenses?
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Alternative accommodation?
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High-value items (like jewellery or tech)?
3. Consider Excess and Premiums
A higher voluntary excess could lower your monthly premiums, but make sure it’s affordable if you need to claim.
4. Bundle for Discounts
If you combine buildings and contents insurance, or insure multiple properties, many providers offer discounts.
5. Improve Home Security
Adding locks, a burglar alarm, or joining a neighbourhood watch could reduce premiums. Some policies even require certain security standards.
When Should You Review Your Policy?
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Annually – Don’t let auto-renewals trap you into rising premiums.
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After Renovations – Major changes (like extensions) can affect your rebuild value and contents cover.
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New Valuables – If you’ve purchased expensive items (jewellery, electronics, bikes), make sure they’re included in your policy.
What Connect Brokers Offers
At Connect Brokers, we work with trusted insurers and specialist providers to offer customised home insurance solutions, whether you’re buying a residential property, insuring a rental, or need help with specialist property finance.
Our team can assist with:
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Tailored policy comparisons
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Combined mortgage and insurance solutions
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Protection for landlords, holiday homes, and more
Explore more of our protection solutions:
Make an Informed Choice
Choosing the right home insurance isn’t just about the lowest premium. It’s about finding cover that fits your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. If you’re serious about finding the best home insurance, speak with one of our mortgage advisers.
Thank you for reading our “Mortgage Costs Guide | Full Breakdown for Mortgage Buyers” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!
FAQ | Home Insurance Guide
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is home insurance? | Home insurance is financial protection for your property. It typically includes buildings insurance (for structural damage) and contents insurance (for belongings). |
| Do I need home insurance if I have a mortgage? | Yes, most lenders require buildings insurance as a condition of the mortgage. |
| What’s the difference between buildings and contents insurance? | Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your home, while contents insurance protects personal belongings like furniture, electronics, and valuables. |
| Can I get a combined buildings and contents policy? | Yes, many insurers offer combined policies, which can be more convenient and sometimes more cost-effective. |
| How can I lower my home insurance premiums? | Compare quotes, increase your voluntary excess, improve home security, and avoid unnecessary extras. |
| What does home insurance typically exclude? | Common exclusions include wear and tear, intentional damage, pest infestations, and some natural disasters unless specifically covered. |
| Should renters get home insurance? | Renters typically only need contents insurance, as landlords are responsible for buildings insurance. |
| When should I update my home insurance policy? | Update your policy annually or after significant changes like renovations, buying high-value items, or moving home. |
| What if I own multiple properties? | You can often bundle insurance for multiple properties, potentially saving money and simplifying administration. |
| Can Connect Brokers help with home insurance? | Yes, Connect Brokers can compare policies, explain cover options, and provide access to tailored home insurance solutions for owners, landlords, and investors. |