When you’re looking at home insurance, you’ll usually choose between buildings insurance and contents insurance or combine the two for full protection.

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home itself, from the walls and roof to permanent fixtures like kitchens and bathrooms. Contents insurance looks after the things inside such as your furniture, clothes, gadgets and other belongings if they’re stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Not every home fits a one-size-fits-all policy. Some properties need specialist insurance, such as listed buildings, timber framed houses or thatched roof cottages. But whatever type of property you live in, the chances are there will be a policy to give you peace of mind that your home is properly protected.

When it comes to buildings insurance, it’s all about how much it would cost to rebuild your home – not its market value. This is your “sum insured”, and it’s usually lower than what you’d sell for. Guessing can lead to overpaying or being underinsured.

Some insurers offer unlimited cover so you don’t need to calculate rebuild costs. But if you want to tailor your policy, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has a handy online calculator. Be cautious about simply accepting a general estimate based on local data, it may not suit your home.

Rebuild costs can rise over time, especially if you make improvements like an extension. Some policies might increase cover automatically, but it’s still worth checking regularly. Got a listed property or one with special architectural or unusual features? A surveyor can give a proper rebuild figure.

Absolutely! You can usually add accidental damage cover to both your buildings and contents insurance, giving you extra peace of mind for those unexpected mishaps around the home.

For buildings, this means things like accidentally knocking a hole in a wall, breaking a window, or damaging your kitchen units can be covered. It’s perfect for those little oops moments that can otherwise lead to costly repairs.

For contents, accidental damage cover helps if you spill red wine on the sofa, drop your TV remote down the stairs, or crack your prized antique vase. Adding this option means you’re protected against more than just theft or disasters – it’s the kind of cover that helps keep your home and belongings safe from everyday accidents.

Just remember, accidental damage is usually an optional extra, so check with your insurer about what’s included and whether it fits your needs.