Start with ownership and responsibility
Write down what you own and what another party insures. For a leasehold flat, check the building’s insurance arrangements and your lease. For a rented property, establish where your belongings end and the landlord’s property begins. Do not treat the building’s policy as proof that your own possessions are insured.
Build two separate valuations
For the structure, ask about a rebuilding assessment rather than using a sale price. For contents, work through each room and consider what replacing the items would cost. List jewellery, technology and other high-value possessions separately so single-item limits can be checked.
Trace a realistic incident
Ask how the policy would handle a water leak damaging both a ceiling and furniture. Check whether tracing a leak, repairing the cause and repairing resulting damage are treated differently. This makes it easier to compare cover sections without assuming every expense is included.
Take these questions to your provider
- Have rebuilding costs and replacement belongings been assessed separately?
- What excesses and exclusions apply to escape of water, flooding and subsidence?
- Are valuables, bicycles and other possessions covered when taken outside?
- What must I report about long absences, renovations, tenants or working from home?
Sources & further reading
Checked 26 September 2026. Policy terms and source ratings can change.