| Cover | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Buildings | Structure – lenders usually require |
| Contents | Belongings – optional but recommended |
| Landlord | See landlord insurance – different policy |
Key points
- Buildings insurance
- Covers the structure – often required by your mortgage lender
- Contents insurance
- Covers belongings – optional but recommended
- Compare
- Use comparison sites and insurers directly; check excess and exclusions
What affects home insurance costs?
Insurers consider: postcode (flood, theft, subsidence risk), property type and age, rebuild cost (buildings) or sum insured (contents), security (locks, alarm), and claims history. Swindon has a mix of property types and areas – premiums will vary. Make sure buildings cover is at least enough to rebuild your home (use the BCIS calculator or similar); under-insuring can leave you short in a claim.
Buildings vs contents
If you own your home (especially with a mortgage), lenders usually require buildings insurance. Contents is optional but covers furniture, electronics, and other belongings. Tenants typically only need contents; landlords need specialist landlord insurance.
How to compare
Use comparison sites and get quotes from insurers that don’t appear on them. Check the excess, what’s included (e.g. accidental damage, home emergency), and any exclusions. Don’t under-declare to get a cheaper premium – it can invalidate a claim. Review each year at renewal.
Information correct as of February 2026. We don’t recommend specific insurers – always compare and read the policy.