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Insurance

Best home insurance deals right now

Premiums dropped 10-13% in 2025. Here's where to find the cheapest cover. Bookmark and check before every renewal.

Updated February 2026
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Key takeaway

Home insurance premiums dropped around 10-13% in 2025, so now is a decent time to shop around. The average combined buildings and contents policy costs around £384 per year, but comparison sites regularly find deals from £100-£150. A combined policy is almost always cheaper than buying buildings and contents separately.

Home insurance is one of those things you set up and forget about. That's exactly how insurers want it, because auto-renewing customers pay significantly more than those who compare each year.

Current Average Costs

Cover TypeAverage Annual Cost (2025/26)
Buildings only~£240
Contents only~£106
Combined (buildings + contents)~£384

Cheapest Providers Right Now

ProviderStarting From (Combined)Key Feature
LV=~£15/monthConsistently competitive, good customer service
The AA~£15/monthOften cheapest for 2-3 bed properties
Allianz~£20/monthStrong on larger properties
AdmiralVariesMulti-product discounts available
AXAVariesGood for higher-value contents

Important: "Starting from" prices are for low-risk profiles. Your quote will differ based on your specific details.

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Where to Compare

SiteCheapest Quotes Found From
MoneySupermarket~£103 per year
Compare the Market~£119 per year
GoCompare~£126 per year
Confused.comVaries

Some providers don't appear on comparison sites:

Direct Line - often competitive, especially bundled with car insurance. NFU Mutual - strong for rural properties and higher-value homes. John Lewis Home Insurance - underwritten by RSA, sometimes has exclusive deals.

Always check at least two comparison sites plus one or two direct providers.

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Quotes found from ~£103 per year for combined cover.

Combined vs Separate Policies

Almost always go combined. A combined policy typically costs £300-£400 vs £350-£500 for separate buildings + contents. One renewal date, simpler claims. The only time separate makes sense is if you have unusual contents that need specialist cover.

How to Get the Cheapest Quote

1. Compare Every Year

The FCA banned the "loyalty penalty" in 2022, meaning insurers can't charge existing customers more than new ones for the same cover. But prices still vary hugely between providers. Always compare.

2. Get Your Rebuild Cost Right

Overestimating your rebuild cost means paying more premium than necessary. Use the ABI rebuild cost calculator or get a surveyor's estimate.

Property TypeTypical Rebuild Cost
2-bed terraced£150,000-£200,000
3-bed semi£200,000-£300,000
4-bed detached£300,000-£500,000

3. Value Your Contents Accurately

Go room by room and add up replacement costs. Most households need £30,000-£60,000 of contents cover. Don't under-insure or over-insure.

4. Increase Your Voluntary Excess

Raising your excess from £100 to £250 or £500 reduces your premium. But only do this if you can comfortably afford the excess if you claim.

5. Improve Your Home Security

Insurers offer discounts for mortice deadlocks, window locks, burglar alarms (especially monitored ones), and smart doorbells. You likely already have some of these - make sure you tell the insurer.

6. Pay Annually

Monthly payments include interest, adding 10-20% to the total cost. If you can pay upfront, do it.

What to Watch Out For

Underinsurance. If you're insured for £100,000 rebuild but the actual cost is £200,000, the insurer can reduce any payout by 50%.

Accidental damage. Not included by default on most policies. Usually costs £20-£50 per year extra.

Single item limits. Most policies cap individual items at £1,500-£2,500. If you have expensive jewellery, watches, bikes, or electronics, list them as specified items.

Subsidence excess. Typically £1,000-£2,500, much higher than the standard excess.

When to Shop Around

4-6 weeks before renewal. Most comparison sites save your quotes for 30 days.

After home improvements. Extensions, new kitchens, or security upgrades change your risk profile.

After moving. Insurance is heavily location-dependent.

Sources

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