What is Buildings Insurance?

Find out how to protect the structure of your home against damage.

Buildings Insurance covers you if something happens to your home. For example, if a fire, flood or storm damages the building it will cover the cost of the repairs.

It will cover the cost to rebuild, repair or replace things like your roof, walls, windows, doors or fitted bathrooms and kitchens. Check your Buildings Insurance policy to know what is and isn't included. 

Buildings Insurance doesn't cover the things inside your home, like TVs, cash or furniture. For that, you'll need Contents Insurance.

You can purchase Buildings Insurance by itself, or combine it with Contents Insurance.

Do I need Buildings Insurance?

Most mortgage lenders request that you have Buildings Insurance. This is to protect against the cost of serious damage to your home or if it can't be lived in. 

Rebuilding part or all of your home would be expensive, so Buildings Insurance can offer peace of mind that these costs may be covered. With Lloyds Bank Insurance we will also find you somewhere to stay if your home is unfit to live in due to a claim. Limits, terms and exclusions apply. 

Renters won't need to get Buildings Insurance, as this is the landlords responsibility. You may need Contents Insurance which protects your items within the home.

How does Buildings Insurance work?

Buildings Insurance covers you if something happens to your home. For example, if it's damaged by a storm, fire or flood. 

You pay to your insurer a premium, and if something goes wrong, they might be able to put it right. You can find out what is and isn't covered in your policy documents.

Always check your policy documents for any limits, terms or exclusions that may apply. These can include leaving the home vacant for a period of time. 

How do you pay for Buildings Insurance?

You can usually pay for your Buildings Insurance in a number of ways:

  • Monthly Direct Debit - Pay your premium every month. This is sometimes more expensive than paying yearly. 
  • Yearly Direct Debit - Pay once a year. This payment may automatically come out when you renew your policy.
  • Yearly card payment - Pay as a one off. You can make another payment when you renew your policy.

Making a claim on your Buildings Insurance

If you need to make a claim, contact your provider as soon as you can. Some give you 180 days to make a claim1. But the sooner you do, the better.

You'll need to:

  • Have copies of receipts for items
  • Take pictures
  • Keep the items
  • Say what has happened
  • Give a list of what has been lost or damaged

If your provider accepts your claim, they'll pay to repair or replace the damaged items. The amount they pay will depend on your excess and policy limits.

Paying a bigger voluntary or compulsory excess can lower your insurance payments. This can mean you pay more to replace and repair your items when making a claim. It's important to think about this when deciding on your premium.

1https://www.which.co.uk/money/insurance/home-insurance/home-insurance-explained/making-a-home-insurance-claim-a1v1d2n8jx5y

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Buildings Insurance: FAQs

Does Buildings Insurance cover boilers?

Buildings Insurance won't usually cover your boiler if it breaks down. Home Emergency Cover is the best way to keep your home toasty and warm. 

Does Buildings Insurance cover burst pipes?

A burst pipe can lead to water damage. Most Home Insurance policies will cover you for damage to the building that happens due to burst pipes.

You will normally need to pay a higher excess for this type of claim. Buildings Insurance won't normally cover the plumbing costs to stop or repair the leak.

Does Buildings Insurance cover leaks?

If a leak is caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance, you may not be able to claim for it at all. Wear and tear is damage that happens naturally as something gets old. 

You may be able to claim to make any repairs to damage caused by leaks. You will normally need to pay a higher excess for this type of claim. Building Insurance won't normally cover the plumbing costs to stop or repair the leak.

Does Buildings Insurance cover roof repairs?

Your policy will cover storm to your roof. If poor maintenance or general wear and tear caused the damage, you won’t be covered. Wear and tear is damage that happens naturally as something gets old

Does Building Insurance cover subsidence?

Yes. Most policies will cover damage caused by subsidence. You will normally need to pay a higher excess for this type of claim.

To find out more, review our policy documents.

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Important legal information

Lloyds Bank plc. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales No. 2065. Lloyds Bank plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278.

Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

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