Yes, even if you do not own your home, you should get tenants' contents insurance to protect your belongings. This is especially important if you have furnished the property yourself.
Insurance for renters will protect your contents against theft, loss or damage while you are living in your rented home.
This comparison includes insurance policies that protect your contents and personal possessions. Use it to get as many online quotes as possible, so you can find the cover you need at the cheapest price.
If you are a landlord, you can compare landlord contents insurance here.
How much does it cost
The average price of household contents insurance is £135, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). But the price of your contents insurance will vary depending on:
Your level of cover, e.g. accidental damage sometimes costs more
The value of things you want to insure
Your address, e.g. postcodes with a high crime rate usually cost more
The security at your rented home, e.g. burglar alarms can reduce your premium
If you have a no claims discount
Paying for your policy in full can help save you money, as insurers charge interest for paying monthly. You can also save if you buy online, so follow the links in this comparison once you know what cover you need.
What cover should you get?
Work out how much your belongings are worth, then compare online quotes to get the policy you need at the cheapest price.
Check the maximum contents cover in this comparison, to find a policy that offers protection for all of your belongings. You should also consider:
Personal possessions cover: This protects things like jewellery and gadgets, while they are away from your home. Check the cover per valuable is enough to replace the most expensive item you own.
New for old cover: This provides a brand new replacement if your contents are damaged, lost or stolen. If the exact item is not available, your insurer will pay for you to get a similar model of the same value.
Tenants' liability : This covers repair or replacement costs if you accidentally damage your rental property, e.g. you spill wine on the carpet. Most renters policies include this as standard, but check your documents to be sure.
Tenants contents insurance FAQs
Do I need contents insurance if my home is furnished?
You may still need insurance to protect your own things like televisions, laptops, CDs, DVDs, books, clothing and valuables.
Do I need buildings insurance if I rent?
No, it is your landlord's responsibility to insure the building. However, you may be asked to pay the cost of the premium in your tenancy agreement.
What is tenants' liability cover?
It covers you if you accidentally cause damage to your rented property, e.g. if you stain the carpet. Most renters' policies include it as standard.
Can I get cover if I am a student?
You need specialist student contents insurance if you are at university. Compare student policies here.
Do I have to pay to make a claim?
Yes, you will be charged an excess if you claim on your policy. This could be anything between £50 and £200, so check your documents for details.
About our home insurance comparison
Who do we include in this comparison?
We include every insurer that offers contents insurance policies for tenants in the UK. They are all regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Here is more information about how our website works.
How do we make money from our comparison?
We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison and get paid commission if we help you take out one of their products or services. Find out more here.
You do not pay any extra and the deal you get is not affected.