8 Questions to Choose the Right Home Insurance

Home insurance protects your biggest asset. These questions help you get cover that actually pays out when you need it.

1. Is your dwelling cover enough to rebuild?

Cover should reflect the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. Underinsuring is a common and costly mistake.

2. How is personal property covered?

Check whether belongings are covered at replacement cost or depreciated value — replacement cost is better.

3. What perils are included and excluded?

Standard policies exclude things like floods and earthquakes. If you're at risk, you may need separate cover.

4. How much liability protection do you have?

Liability covers you if someone is injured on your property. Make sure the limit is high enough.

5. What is the deductible?

A higher deductible lowers premiums but increases what you pay per claim. Balance the two.

6. Does it cover additional living expenses?

If your home is uninhabitable after a covered event, this pays for temporary accommodation.

7. What discounts are available?

Security systems, new roofs and bundling with car insurance can all reduce your premium.

8. How good is the claims service?

Read reviews on how quickly and fairly the insurer settles claims — it's what you're really paying for.

Our Top Picks

These are popular, well-rated options worth comparing. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you — always check current prices and terms first.

Insure for rebuild cost, choose replacement-cost cover for belongings, and check the claims reputation before you buy.