Moving to a new country brings many practical decisions, and getting home insurance is one of them. Many people are unsure whether home insurance is required in the UK, especially when renting.

This guide explains when home insurance is needed, the difference between buildings insurance and contents insurance, and what renters and homeowners usually choose.

It also explains what can happen if you decide not to have cover.

If you’re still settling in, read our blog on making the UK feel like home.

What is home insurance?

Home insurance is cover that helps protect your home or your belongings if something unexpected happens, such as fire, flooding, or theft.

In the UK, home insurance usually comes in two types:

• Buildings insurance: This covers the structure of the home. It includes things like the walls, roof, floors, and built-in fixtures such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Contents insurance: This covers your personal belongings inside the home. It can include furniture, clothes, electronics, and other personal items.

Some people need both types of insurance, while others only need one. What you need depends on whether you rent or own your home and what you want to protect.

Find out more about our buildings and contents insurance.

Is home insurance mandatory in the UK?

Not always. Home insurance is not required by law in the UK. You will not be fined for not having it.

That said, insurance may still be required as part of an agreement. This is common with mortgages and housing schemes, so it is important to check your own situation.

If you’re planning to buy a home, our guide to buying a home in the UK explains what lenders typically require and why insurance is often included.

Do you need home insurance when renting in the UK?

No, renters do not need buildings insurance. The landlord is responsible for insuring the building. Renting a flat or house does not automatically mean you must have insurance.

However, the landlord’s cover does not protect your personal belongings. If you’re new to renting here, read our guide to renting in the UK.

What type of home insurance do renters usually need?

Renters usually choose contents insurance. This covers the items you own inside the home. Contents insurance often includes:

• Furniture
• Clothes and shoes
• Electronics
• Kitchen items
• Some valuables (often with limits)

Some policies also cover items you take outside the home, such as a phone or laptop. This depends on the insurer.

Without contents insurance, you would need to pay to replace your belongings yourself if they are stolen or damaged.

When do homeowners need home insurance?

Homeowners are not legally required to have home insurance, but many need it in practice.

If you have a mortgage, the lender will usually require buildings insurance. This protects the property, which is also the lender’s security for the loan.

Insurance requirements are most common when:

• A mortgage lender asks for buildings insurance before completing the loan
• A lease or housing scheme sets specific insurance rules
• A shared ownership agreement includes cover as part of the terms

If you own your home outright, you can choose whether to insure it. Many homeowners still take out buildings and contents insurance to reduce financial risk if something goes wrong.

Understanding the average home insurance cost in the UK can help you decide whether this feels affordable for you.

What happens if you don’t have home insurance?

If you are not required to have home insurance through your mortgage, lease or tenancy agreement, then there is no penalty for not having home insurance. The impact comes later if something goes wrong.

You may need to:

• Replace stolen or damaged belongings with your own money
• Pay for repairs if you are responsible for the damage
• Resolve delays if buildings insurance is required for a mortgage

Some people are comfortable taking this risk. Others prefer the reassurance of having cover in place.

How to decide if home insurance is right for you

Home insurance is a personal choice, unless a lender or contract requires it. A simple way to decide is to think about what you could afford to replace.

You may want to consider:

• Which belongings would be expensive or difficult to replace
• Whether you rent or own your home
• Whether buildings insurance is required by a mortgage or agreement
• How long you plan to stay in the property If you’re still unsure, that’s normal. Taking time to understand your options often makes the decision clearer.

Learn more about protecting your home in the UK

Marshmallow offers buildings and contents insurance, with unique features designed for people who’ve moved to the UK from abroad.

It only takes a few minutes to get a free quote, so why not see what you could save?