Expense of home insurance cover

Once the first two major considerations are out of the way (extent and value of property and possessions), insurance companies use a variety of other factors to determine the expense of home insurance cover.

Postcodes, just like car insurance, could significantly influence the cost of your premium. Major cities and urban areas are likely to cost more than more rural or remote areas.

Home insurance, like other forms of insurance, is not fixed. The amount you have to pay for buildings and contents insurance will not stay at the same level year after year. If there are a large number of insurance pay outs during a year, premiums may become more expensive. Some premiums are also linked with the RPI (Retail Price Index.)

Ways to reduce home insurance premium

Be sure to search several insurers to obtain the best quote. You should look for a provider and policy that suits your budget and needs.

Some companies offer buildings and contents insurance combined together as a package, often at a discount when purchased together.

Make sure that when you are putting together an inventory for your insurer it is accurate. You don’t want to under insure or over insure.

Closely read your policy, and make sure you are not paying for anything that you do not need.

Look closely at the excess on your policy, and consider raising it to lower your premium. Make sure your home and contents are secure, both in and outside the house. Consider a burglar alarm in line with your insurance company’s requirements.

Join your local neighbourhood watch scheme, as this can knock down the cost of your premium by a surprising amount.

Make sure that no claims discounts from the past are considered in your most recent policy; alert your insurer if you have any. This could reduce the size of your premium.

Monthly insurance payments can increase the cost of the premium: it may be cheaper to insure with one lump sum.