Flat Insurance

You’ll be responsible for taking out building insurance for a flat if you own a flat or block of flats. This is also the case if you:

• Share a freehold (commonhold) with other flat owners
• Are a freeholder leasing the flat
• Are a landlord renting to tenants
• Leaseholders could also need to take out buildings insurance on a leasehold flat if they have the ‘right to manage’ the property. If this is the case it will be clearly outlined in your lease.

You might only need to take out contents insurance for your own personal possessions that are kept in the flat. This will apply to:

• Tenants and renters
• Flatshares and student flats
• The majority of flat leaseholders

Buildings insurance for flats focuses on protecting the structure of the building itself. This typically provides cover for:

• Structural damage – Damage to walls, roofs, and floors caused by insured events like fire, flooding, storms, and vandalism.
• Permanent fixtures – Fixtures like kitchen units, bathroom fittings, and built-in wardrobes.
• Shared areas – For blocks of flats, communal areas like hallways, staircases, and gardens are protected.
• Liability cover – This protects against claims from third parties who are injured on the property.
• Landlord responsibilities – Landlord flat insurance with buildings cover ensures that you are covered for damages to the building that could affect your tenants or your rental income.

Flat contents insurance, or flat insurance for tenants protects your personal belongings within a flat and typically covers:

• Personal possessions – This cover can help replace furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items if they are damaged or stolen.
• Theft and burglary – You can get financial compensation for loss from a break in.
• Fire and water damage: Covers losses from fire, flooding, or water damage like burst pipes.
• Accidental damage – You can add this cover for damage caused by accidents like spilling liquid on your laptop.
• High value items – Content policies will have limits on the amount they will pay for individual items. But you can add additional coverage limits for high value items like artwork or electronics.