Building Insurance

Your housing association or the freeholder of your home is legally responsible for arranging the buildings insurance.

• What it covers: The structural elements of the property, including the roof, external walls, floors, communal areas (if any), and usually fitted kitchens or bathrooms.

• How you pay for it: You do not buy an individual policy. Instead, the housing association normally purchases a commercial group policy covering all of their properties, and your portion of the premium is billed to you through your monthly or annual service charges.

• The exception: If you live in a shared ownership house (not a flat) and you eventually “staircase” your way to 100% full ownership, the legal obligation shifts to you, and you must arrange your own buildings cover.

Contents Insurance

You are responsible for arranging your own contents insurance.

Contents insurance usually covers your furniture, clothes, electronics, appliances, and personal items. You can buy contents insurance from a variety of providers either directly or through price comparison websites.