Home Insurance Explained: Buildings & Contents vs Contents Only

Home Insurance Explained: Buildings & Contents vs Contents Only | Police Mutual

This article was published on 15 Dec 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right insurance can make all the difference. Whether you own or rent your property, understanding the difference between buildings and contents insurance vs contents insurance only helps ensure you’re properly covered if the unexpected happens.

At Police Mutual, we know how important it is that you feel confident that your home and belongings are protected.

What is Buildings Insurance?

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home. It typically protects against damage caused by fire, storms, floods and other insured events.

Essentially, if something would stay behind when you move out, it’s usually covered by buildings insurance.

Typical examples include:

  • The main structure of your home (walls, roof, windows, doors)
  • Permanent fixtures such as fitted kitchens, baths, and toilets
  • Garages, sheds, and fences (depending on the policy)

If you own your home or have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have buildings insurance in place.

What is Contents Insurance?

Contents insurance covers your personal possessions, essentially everything that would fall out if you turned your home upside down.

Standard examples include:

  • Furniture, clothing, and electricals
  • Carpets, curtains, and ornaments
  • Personal items such as jewellery, gadgets, and bikes

Contents insurance protects against risks like theft, fire, or accidental damage (depending on your policy options).

If you’re a lodger or renting, you won’t usually need buildings cover but contents insurance is still important to protect your belongings.

Choosing the Right Cover for You

When deciding, think about:

  • Whether you own or rent your property
  • The value of your belongings
  • Your ability to repair or replace items after an incident

Whether you need buildings and contents insurance or contents insurance only, having the right cover in place means peace of mind for you and your family.

Learn more about Police Mutual Home Insurance

Police Mutual Home Insurance is provided by Bspoke Underwriting Ltd.

Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash