• Repairs from damage. For example, from escaping water (such as a burst pipe), falling trees, fire, flooding, storms (including ‘acts of god’ such as earthquakes and lightning), subsidence (a shifting of the ground which can cause your home to sink) and vandalism.
• Replacement of stolen items. Typically covered by the contents element, protecting your possessions in your home, garage and shed.
• Legal liability. A contents policy usually covers you and any legal costs if a visitor to your home is seriously injured and it’s deemed to be your fault, and a buildings policy does the same if the structure injures a passer-by or visitor, or damages a neighbour’s property.
• Alternative accommodation. If you can’t stay in your home following a fire or flood, the cost of a hotel or B&B is usually covered.
• Replacement keys and locks. If damaged, or your keys go missing.
• Replacement of spoiled food. If your freezer breaks down.

• Damage due to normal wear and tear.
• Accidental damage. Though you can sometimes pay more to cover this.
• High-value items. Unless you’ve specifically told the insurer about them.
• If you’re away from your home for 30+ days a year.
• Business-related accidents or damage. If you run a business from home.

Most insurers will usually cover your house against natural or manmade disasters, including:

• Fires
• Water leaks
• Vandalism
• Malicious damage
• Lightning strikes
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Subsidence

If you are buying your own home, buildings insurance is usually a condition imposed by your mortgage lender. It will cover you for the cost of rebuilding your house if it is damaged or completely destroyed.

Home insurance itself is a general term used to explain the combination of both buildings and contents insurance. Buildings insurance by itself covers you for the structure of the property.