Home Insurance vs Landlord Insurance
A plain-English comparison of two GeraSure policy lines — what each covers, what it excludes, typical annual premium, and how to choose.
Quick Answer
Home Insurance typically costs £150–£600/yr and Landlord Insurance typically costs £200–£900/yr. Home Insurance has the lower entry premium, but the right choice depends on what you need to protect — read the coverage below.
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.
- Avg annual premium
- £150–£600/yr
- Type
- property
- Available in
- 4 markets
Landlord Insurance
Specialist insurance for private landlords renting out residential property. Covers buildings, loss of rent, landlord liability, and optional legal expenses.
- Avg annual premium
- £200–£900/yr
- Type
- property
- Available in
- 2 markets
What each policy covers
Home Insurance covers
- ✓ Buildings: fire, flood, storm, subsidence, escape of water
- ✓ Contents: theft, fire, accidental damage, flood
- ✓ Alternative accommodation if home is uninhabitable
- ✓ Liability to public (injury in your home)
- ✓ Emergency home assistance (burst pipes, boiler)
Key exclusions
- ✕ General wear and tear
- ✕ Pre-existing damage disclosed at inception
- ✕ Deliberate damage by the policyholder
- ✕ Unoccupied properties (over 30 days — check policy)
- ✕ Business equipment over standard limits
Landlord Insurance covers
- ✓ Buildings insurance for rented property
- ✓ Loss of rent (if property uninhabitable after insured event)
- ✓ Landlord liability (injury or property damage claims from tenants)
- ✓ Optional: contents (landlord's furnishings)
- ✓ Optional: legal expenses (rent arrears, eviction proceedings)
- ✓ Optional: rent guarantee insurance
Key exclusions
- ✕ Deliberate damage by tenants (check policy limits)
- ✕ General maintenance and wear and tear
- ✕ Unoccupied properties beyond policy's void period
- ✕ Tenant's personal belongings
Where each is available
Home Insurance is also offered in Armenia, Georgia where Landlord Insurance is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is home insurance more expensive than landlord insurance?
Based on GeraSure's average annual premium ranges, home insurance typically costs £150–£600/yr and landlord insurance typically costs £200–£900/yr. Home Insurance usually has the lower starting premium. Your actual quote depends on your risk profile, location and cover level.
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.
More insurance comparisons
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.