Contents Insurance UK: What It Covers & How Much It Costs in 2025
Contents insurance protects your personal belongings at home — furniture, electronics, jewellery, clothes, and more — against risks like theft, fire and flood. It sits alongside buildings insurance (which covers the structure). This guide explains what's covered vs not covered, how much contents insurance typically costs in the UK in 2025, and simple ways to save — in plain English.
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Compare Home InsuranceWhat is contents insurance?
Contents insurance covers the items you'd take with you if you moved house. Policies usually offer either new-for-old replacement (pays today's cost to replace an item) or indemnity (pays the current value after wear and tear).
You can add options like accidental damage and "personal belongings away from home" for things like phones or laptops outside the home.
Average cost in the UK (2025)
Typical contents-only policies range roughly £150–£200 per year for many households, with higher or lower prices depending on location, claims history, security and the total value you insure. Urban areas with higher theft rates (e.g., London) may see higher averages; rural areas are often lower.
What's covered vs not covered
| Covered by contents insurance | Usually not covered / needs add-on |
|---|---|
| Theft, fire, flood, storm damage to personal belongings inside your home | Damage to the building (walls, roof, fixtures) — this is buildings insurance |
| Accidental damage (if added) | Wear and tear, gradual deterioration |
| Personal belongings outside the home (if added) | High-value items above the single-article limit unless specified |
| New-for-old replacement (if included) | Business equipment above policy limits unless declared |
| Liability cover for accidental damage to others' property at home | Unoccupied periods beyond the policy's limit (commonly 30–60 days) |
How to save money (tips & tricks)
- Right-size your sum insured: build a quick home inventory so you don't over- or under-insure.
- Increase voluntary excess: moving from £50 to £200 excess can lower premiums (ensure it's affordable if you claim).
- Combine with buildings insurance: joint policies often cost less than separate ones.
- Improve security: approved locks/alarms and good lighting may reduce premiums with some insurers.
- Pay annually: monthly instalments typically include interest.
- Shop around at renewal: compare providers and levels of cover — don't auto-renew at a higher price.
FAQ
Is contents insurance mandatory in the UK?
No — it isn't a legal requirement. But replacing everything out-of-pocket after a fire or theft is costly. Some landlords expect tenants to hold contents cover.
What's the difference between buildings and contents?
Buildings covers the structure and fixtures (walls, roof, fitted kitchen). Contents covers moveable belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics).
Does contents insurance cover items outside the home?
Only if you add "personal belongings away from home" — limits apply. Check single-article limits for items like jewellery or laptops.
Will a claim affect my no-claims discount?
Usually yes on the policy that pays the claim. Consider your excess and whether the claim is worthwhile.
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About the Author
Adam Taylor
Founder
Founder of MySupermarketCompare. 7+ years building comparison experiences. Passionate about making insurance clearer and cheaper for UK drivers and families.