UK home insurance compared
UK avg combined: £375/yr (ABI Q1 2026)Insure the rebuild cost, not the market value — underinsurance is the most common (and most expensive) home insurance mistake.
Aviva
- Defaqto 5-star options
- Contents new-for-old as standard
- Alternative accommodation cover
- Optional accidental damage
LV=
- Strong claims satisfaction record
- Escape-of-water cover standard
- Home emergency add-on
- Flexible excess options
Direct Line
- Not on comparison sites
- 8-hour emergency boiler response option
- Guaranteed repairs for 12 months
- Squatter removal cover
Policy Expert
- Top-rated home insurer on Trustpilot
- Simple tiered cover levels
- Competitive pricing
- UK-based claims team
Homeprotect
- Non-standard homes: listed, thatched, flood-risk
- Unoccupied property cover
- Renovation projects covered
- Online quote for unusual risks
Urban Jungle
- Built for renters and sharers
- Monthly rolling contents cover
- Trustpilot Excellent rating
- No paperwork, all online
See buildings, contents and combined quotes from dozens of insurers in one search.
Compare quotes at GoCompareWhat to compare before you buy
- Buildings cover should equal the rebuild cost (use the free ABI/BCIS calculator) — not the purchase price.
- Accidental damage is usually an add-on, not standard — the most commonly mis-assumed feature.
- Check alternative accommodation limits: a serious escape-of-water claim can mean months out of the house.
- Single-item limits (often £1,500–£2,000) matter if you own jewellery, bikes or cameras — declare high-value items.
- Subsidence excess is typically £1,000; in older properties, check it before buying on price alone.
Home & renters insurance for US visitors
For visitors in the United States — typical costs shown are US national averages (Bankrate, NerdWallet, KFF, NAPHIA and similar, as of 2026). Links may be affiliate links. US homeowners insurance averages about $2,424/yr for $300K dwelling cover (Bankrate/NerdWallet, 2026); renters insurance can start around $5/mo.
Lemonade
- Renters from $5/mo (their claim)
- Homeowners also available
- Fast app-based claims
Liberty Mutual
- Quote online in minutes
- Bundle with auto for discounts
- Renters from a few $/mo
Hippo
- Smart-home discounts
- Modern coverage for tech/equipment
- Fast online quotes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need buildings insurance as a leaseholder?
Usually not — the freeholder typically insures the building and you pay through the service charge. You normally only need contents cover. Check your lease.
What's the difference between rebuild cost and market value?
Rebuild (reinstatement) cost is what it would cost to rebuild the house from scratch — often much lower than market value, which includes the land. Insuring at market value means overpaying; underestimating rebuild cost risks claims being scaled down.
Is flood cover standard?
Standard policies include flood, but high-risk postcodes are priced via the Flood Re scheme. Specialists like Homeprotect handle non-standard and high-risk homes.