How Buildings & Contents Insurance Has Your Back

When disaster strikes, from a burst pipe, a kitchen fire, or a break-in, you need buildings and contents insurance you can trust to step in. Equally, with September starting the back-to-school season, don’t forget that contents insurance can cover valuable objects, even away from home.

Think of buildings insurance as your home’s safety net. It covers the structure – walls, roof, floors, windows, fitted kitchens and bathrooms. If a storm tears off your roof or a fire guts your living room, your policy can cover the cost of full repair or even a complete rebuild. The goal? To restore your home as close as possible to its original condition so it’s safe, stable, and liveable.

Your belongings carry your memories and daily comforts – sofa, laptop, clothes, or children’s toys. If they’re damaged or stolen, contents insurance provides the funds to repair or replace them. Many policies offer “new for old” replacement, meaning you’ll receive brand-new items rather than the current value of your old ones. Helping your home feel like yours again, not just a patched-up version.

Many people don’t realise that contents insurance can cover your belongings even when they’re not at home. With the right policy additions, items like laptops, mobile phones, jewellery, or sports equipment can be protected while you or your child are on the go. This is made possible through personal possessions cover. An optional extra on most contents policies. It’s designed to extend your protection beyond your front door, whether you’re commuting, travelling, working, or studying away from home.

For students, some insurers allow coverage to continue under the family’s main contents policy, provided the term-time address is listed and the insurer’s conditions are met. Others may offer tailored student contents insurance.

So, if a laptop is stolen from a locked university dorm or a phone is damaged during the daily commute, your policy could have you covered, but only if you’ve arranged the right level of protection.

Quick Tips:

Add personal possessions cover to your contents policy

Declare when a family member is living away (e.g., at uni)

Specify high-value items if needed

Check limits and exclusions for off-premises claims

Ensure your sums insured match the actual cost of rebuilding and replacing – underinsurance is surprisingly common and can leave you short when you need support most.

Together, building and contents insurance give you peace of mind. Do you need a review?

If it’s been over a year since you reviewed your policy, or you’re unsure if you’re fully protected, let’s chat. A quick conversation now could make all the difference later.