What Does Buildings Insurance Cover?
Unlimited rebuilds, owner’s liability, and the extras you might want.
Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the structure of your home if it’s damaged by events like fire, flood, or vandalism. This type of home insurance protects everything from your walls and roof to fitted kitchens and permanent fixtures, so you’re not left footing the bill for unexpected damage.
Here’s a closer look at what buildings insurance covers, which optional extras you might want, and how to make sure your property is fully protected.
TL;DR
- Building insurance covers your home’s structure (walls, roof, fixtures) against fire, flood, vandalism, and more
- Add optional extras like accidental damage, home emergency, or legal protection for added peace of mind
- Watch for gaps in cover—personal liability and normal wear aren’t covered
- Regularly update your details and cover choices to ensure your buildings insurance fully protects your property
What’s included automatically?
Each built-in cover ensures you’re prepared for life’s unexpected events. Let’s take a closer look at each:
| Built-in cover | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unlimited rebuild cost | We pay to repair or rebuild the structure—walls, roof, fitted kitchen—after fire, escape of water, vandalism, or extreme weather. You never have to guess a “sum insured” |
| Temporary accommodation | We pay for alternative accommodations like hotel or short-lets (plus laundry/food uplift) if your home is uninhabitable |
| Owner’s liability | Protection if you’re legally responsible for injury or damage to others as the owner of your home |
What are covered perils?
Covered perils are the specific events or risks that your buildings insurance policy protects against. These include:
- Water damage from burst pipes or leaks
- Fire and smoke damage
- Subsidence
- Burglary and vandalism
- Storm damage, flooding, and other extreme weather
If your home suffers damage from any of these insured events, your policy will help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding the affected areas.
Do you need more than standard cover?
While buildings insurance policies cover the cost of rebuilding your home, you may want to consider optional extras for extra peace of mind:
| Optional Add-On | Good For… |
|---|---|
| Home Emergency | 24/7 helpline to reach a tradesperson for boiler breakdowns, blocked drains, lost keys (up to £1,000 per incident) |
| Legal Protection | Solicitor fees for disputes like wrongful dismissal or neighbour nuisance |
| Accidental Damage to Your Home | DIY disasters—drilling through a pipe, smashing a window—up to £2,000 per claim |
| Household Member | Automatically extends the policy to a partner or family |
Tip: Add-ons can be toggled on or off at anytime on the Lemonade app, so you’re never locked in if your situation changes.
Common coverage gaps—and how to avoid them
Even with a comprehensive buildings insurance policy, there are some common gaps in cover that can catch homeowners off guard. Here are a few areas to watch out for—and tips on how to make sure you’re fully protected:
- Outbuildings: Not covered if located at a different address or if your main home was not also damaged by the covered event
- General wear and tear or poor maintenance: Buildings insurance doesn’t cover gradual decline, so keep up with routine repairs
- Accidental damage during DIY: Only protected if you have added accidental damage cover
- Boiler breakdowns or home emergencies: Home emergency cover is needed for these scenarios
How to make sure you’re fully protected
To get the most out of your buildings insurance and avoid unexpected surprises, it’s important to keep your policy details up to date. Follow these simple steps to help ensure you’re always fully protected.
- Verify your property details. Square footage, construction type, and year built feed the rebuild-cost algorithm—keep them accurate.
- Update us with extensions. Make sure you notify us of any extensions made to your home.
- Pick a sensible excess. A higher excess lowers your premium but increases what you’d pay when things go wrong.
- Review cover limits and add-ons annually. Your needs change (renovations, new housemate), so can your cover.
Before we go…
Buildings insurance is vital to protect your home’s structure and your peace of mind. By reviewing your policy, selecting optional extras like accidental damage or home emergency cover, and making sure we are aware of any home extensions, you can rest assured you’re fully protected against life’s unexpected events.
Why wait? Get a quote with Lemonade in minutes today.
FAQs
What is the main difference between buildings insurance and contents insurance?
Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, such as the walls, roof, and permanent fixtures like fitted kitchens. Contents insurance protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, against risks like theft, fire, and accidental damage. Most homeowners have both types of home insurance for comprehensive protection.
Does a buildings insurance policy cover garages and outbuildings?
Most buildings insurance covers attached garages and other outbuildings like sheds or garden offices, as long as they are located at the same address as your home.
What’s not covered by buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance typically excludes damage due to general wear and tear, poor maintenance, or gradual decline. Damage caused by pests, war, or acts of terrorism is often listed as an exclusion. Personal and occupier’s liability is also not covered.
Additionally, contents insurance is needed for your personal belongings, as buildings insurance only covers the structure of your home and permanent fixtures.
Do I have to set a rebuild limit myself?
No. Unlimited rebuild cover means your insurer will pay out whatever it takes to completely restore the structure of your home.
Is buildings insurance a legal requirement for homeowners?
While buildings insurance is not legally required for all homeowners, most mortgage lenders make it a requirement as part of the loan agreement.
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