When you buy standard home insurance, a basic policy that protects your house and belongings from common risks like fire, theft, and storm damage. It's the minimum coverage most lenders require, but it's not enough to cover everything you might need. Many people think they're fully protected until they file a claim and find out their flooded basement or stolen laptop isn't included. That’s because home insurance coverage, the specific risks and items a policy agrees to pay for varies wildly between providers—even when they all call it "standard."
Most standard home insurance policies cover the structure of your home, attached garages, and personal belongings like furniture and electronics. But they often leave out things like flooding, subsidence, or high-value items like jewelry unless you add them as extras. home insurance costs, what you pay each year for your policy, based on location, age of home, claims history, and coverage level have gone up 8.7% on average in 2024, according to real data. That’s not inflation—it’s risk. Homes in flood zones, areas with high crime, or older houses with outdated wiring pay more. And if you live in Worcestershire, where storms and aging housing stock are common, your premium might be higher than you expect.
What you don’t know can cost you. A broken pipe might be covered, but if you didn’t maintain your gutters and water backed up? That’s a denial. A burglary might trigger a claim, but if your £2,000 camera wasn’t listed as a high-value item? You’ll get pennies. home insurance claims, the process of asking your insurer to pay for damage after an insured event aren’t automatic. They require proof, timelines, and sometimes a fight. The best way to avoid surprises? Know exactly what your policy says—word for word. Read the small print. Ask your insurer to explain exclusions. Don’t rely on what the sales rep said.
Switching isn’t just for savings—it’s for safety. switch home insurance, changing your policy to a better one before your current term ends lets you find better coverage, lower rates, or both. Most people stay with the same insurer for years because it’s easier. But that’s how you end up paying £500 extra a year for less protection. The average person could save £300+ by comparing just once a year. And you don’t need to be a finance expert to do it. Just know your home’s value, your belongings, and what risks matter most to you.
What you’ll find below are real stories from people who thought they were covered—until they weren’t. Guides on what to ask before signing. How to spot a policy that looks good but leaves you exposed. And how to switch without a gap in protection. No fluff. No upsells. Just what actually works for homeowners in Worcestershire and beyond.
Home insurance covers your house, belongings, liability, and living expenses if you're displaced. But not everything - floods, wear and tear, and high-value items often need extra coverage.