Cover comparison · 2026
Home Insurance vs Landlord Insurance
Home Insurance and Landlord Insurance are often confused because they sit close together — but they protect against different things. This side-by-side shows exactly what each covers, what it excludes, the typical UK cost, and how to decide which one (or both) you actually need.
At a glance
Home Insurance
Combined buildings and contents insurance for owner-occupiers. Protects the structure of your home (buildings) and everything inside it (contents) against fire, flood, theft, escape of water, and accidental damage.
Typical UK premium: £150–£600/yr
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia, Georgia
Landlord Insurance
Specialist insurance for private landlords renting out residential property. Covers buildings, loss of rent, landlord liability, and optional legal expenses.
Typical UK premium: £200–£900/yr
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland
What each policy covers
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What each policy excludes
| Home Insurance | Landlord Insurance |
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Choose Home Insurance if…
- You need to protect against: buildings: fire, flood, storm, subsidence, escape of water.
- You need to protect against: contents: theft, fire, accidental damage, flood.
- You need to protect against: alternative accommodation if home is uninhabitable.
- Your budget for this risk is around £150–£600/yr.
Choose Landlord Insurance if…
- You need to protect against: buildings insurance for rented property.
- You need to protect against: loss of rent (if property uninhabitable after insured event).
- You need to protect against: landlord liability (injury or property damage claims from tenants).
- Your budget for this risk is around £200–£900/yr.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Home Insurance and Landlord Insurance?
Home Insurance: Combined buildings and contents insurance for owner-occupiers. Protects the structure of your home (buildings) and everything inside it (contents) against fire, flood, theft, escape of water, and accidental damage. Landlord Insurance: Specialist insurance for private landlords renting out residential property. Covers buildings, loss of rent, landlord liability, and optional legal expenses. They protect against different events, so many people hold one, the other, or both depending on their circumstances.
Is Home Insurance or Landlord Insurance more expensive?
Typical UK annual premiums run £150–£600/yr for Home Insurance and £200–£900/yr for Landlord Insurance. Your actual price depends on your circumstances and chosen cover level — always get a live quote before deciding.
Do I need both Home Insurance and Landlord Insurance?
Not always. Because home insurance and landlord insurance cover different risks, holding both gives the broadest protection, but many people only need one. Compare what each covers below and pick the cover that matches your actual exposure.
What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance?
Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your home — walls, roof, floors, and fixed fittings. Contents insurance covers moveable possessions inside the home. Combined home insurance covers both in a single policy, which is typically cheaper than buying separately.
Is landlord insurance a legal requirement?
Landlord insurance is not legally required in the UK, but standard home insurance is invalidated when you rent out your property. Without landlord insurance, you have no buildings cover and no liability protection.
Compare real quotes for both
GeraSure shows FCA-regulated insurers side by side so you only pay for the cover you need.
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GeraSure is a comparison and referral service. Insurance products are provided by FCA-authorised or equivalent regulated insurers in each jurisdiction. GeraSure does not underwrite insurance policies and does not provide financial advice. Always read the policy wording before purchasing.