Articles For agents

Types of insurance

Home & property insurance

Your home isn’t the only thing at risk

Find Home & property insurance in

See every country with Home & property insurance

A fire, a break-in, a burst pipe or a storm can cost you both the building and everything in it. The bill arrives long before the rebuild does.

The basics

  • Building cover is for the structure: walls, roof, fixtures.
  • Contents cover is for your belongings: furniture, appliances, electronics.
  • Most policies cover fire, theft and storm damage, and many include liability if someone is hurt on your property.
  • Renting? Your landlord insures the building, not your things. You need your own contents cover.

Where people get caught

  • Flood and earthquake are often excluded or sold separately.
  • Underinsurance: if the amount insured is less than the real rebuilding cost, claims can be paid out reduced.
  • Storm or hurricane deductibles can be a percentage of the value, not a small flat amount.
  • Valuables like jewellery and gadgets often have low limits unless listed.
  • An empty or unoccupied property may not be covered.

Do this now

Ask your agent whether flood, windstorm and earthquake are covered, and whether the amount insured would really rebuild your home today. Then take photos of your belongings and keep a list. It makes claims much faster.

Related articles

More home & property articles

General information only. Cover varies by country and policy.