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The best home insurance provider can vary greatly depending on your needs and household profile. This includes your home’s location, your budget, and whether you want buildings insurance, contents insurance, or a combined policy.
However, it’s always handy to have a bit of help when trying to find the best home insurance policy for your needs. That’s why we’ve taken a look at some of the UK’s biggest providers, so that when you come to compare home insurance quotes, you’ll feel fully equipped to make the right decision.
We have reviewed some of the biggest and best home insurance providers in the UK, in order to make your life a bit easier when comparing quotes.
In the table below, you’ll find our Independent Advisor score for the top 10 home insurance providers we’ve reviewed. This takes into consideration the provider’s Trustpilot score, Defaqto and Fairer Finance ratings for its standard or mid-tier home insurance policies, and its Fairer Finance customer experience rating.
However, we still advise that you don’t solely rely on our recommendations. We strongly encourage you to compare home insurance quotes to secure the best deal suited to your needs.
| Provider | Independent Advisor score[1] | Trustpilot[2] | Defaqto (Buildings)[3] | Defaqto (Contents)[4] | Fairer Finance (Combined)[5] | Fairer Finance customer experience[6] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco Bank | 85.4 | 4.3 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | 61% |
| Axa | 85.2 | 4.3 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | 60% |
| Direct Line* | 84.4 | 3.8 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | 66% |
| LV | 82.2 | 4.4 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | 63% |
| Saga | 82.2 | 4.1 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | 69% |
| Aviva | 80.8 | 4 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | 64% |
| Rias | 80.2 | 4.1 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | 59% |
| Churchill | 78.4 | 4.2 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | 68% |
| Esure | 78.2 | 3.8 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | 57% |
| Hastings Direct | 77 | 4.2 stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | 61% |
Our team of researchers and writers are committed to delivering precise and current data to enable you to make well-informed choices on the best home insurance companies when comparing and purchasing policies.
We put forward home insurance products only after investing hundreds of hours into meticulous research, comparing various policies, mystery shopping, reviewing authenticated customer responses, and considering expert industry perspectives.
We create our articles by comparing a wide range of home insurance policies from UK insurers, both large and small. Our research primarily focuses on:
| Home insurance provider | Editor’s pick | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Tesco Bank | Reputation | When factoring in customer reviews on Trustpilot, industry ratings from Defaqto and Fairer Finance, and the latter’s customer experience awards, Tesco Bank comes out with the best Independent Advisor score. |
| Aviva | Alternative accommodation | Aviva offers £100,000 in alternative accommodation cover with its buildings policy, and a further £25,000 with its contents cover. |
| LV | Home office | With LV’s standard home insurance, you can claim up to £15,000 for business equipment such as computers and printers. |
| Hastings Direct | Tenants | If you take out a Hastings Direct ‘Direct’ policy, you’ll have up to £15,000 in tenant’s liability cover. |
| Direct Line | Digital media | Direct Line’s mid-tier Plus home insurance policy allows you to claim up to £3,000 for downloaded media. |
The editor’s picks listed above are chosen from the home insurance providers we have reviewed. The picks are based on an analysis of each provider’s standard or mid-tier combined home insurance policy, customer and industry reviews of the brand, and what we believe to be the best option in each category.
You can find out more about how we review home insurance providers with our methodology guide.
Through our extensive reviews process, we’ve been able to pick out the pros and cons of each of the providers mentioned above, so you have a better idea of whether it’s the right fit for your home.
Tesco Bank’s online reviews frequently praise the provider for its quick, efficient and understanding responses to claims, and the overall quality of its customer service team.
Read our full Tesco Bank home insurance review.
Many customer reviews mentioned long waits to speak to customer support. Our researchers had similar experiences when getting through to customer services and, more importantly, trying to contact the emergency claims department. According to reviews, it can also take time for Axa to make a decision on claims.
Read our full Axa home insurance review.
Direct Line’s customer service received favourable reviews, with many saying how easy the claims process was. Our researchers found the same, although, when making an online claim via the Virtual Assistant chat service, the replies were very unsatisfactory, and ringing customer support was the best option.
Read our full Direct Line home insurance review.
In terms of customer satisfaction, LV generally received positive reviews. Many mentioned the straightforward claims process, and helpful customer service. Our team found that an engineer was typically assigned to us within 20 minutes when reporting a claim, and we were informed of any updates to our claim.
Read our full LV home insurance review.
When it comes to its online reviews, customers repeatedly praise Saga for competitive quotes, the ease of its application process, and the quality of the brand as a whole. There are complaints about renewal quote hikes; however, that is an issue with most providers at the moment.
Read our full Saga home insurance review.
Customer reviews varied, with some appreciating Aviva’s clear communication, efficient claims handling, and overall customer service. There were also less positive reviews that focused on claims processing or policy pricing issues. Our researchers found the customer personnel helpful in answering questions and discussing the claims process.
Read our full Aviva home insurance review.
While Rias has an overall ‘Great’ score on Trustpilot, some customers have complained about difficulties when making a claim. However, there is also praise for the ease of its quotes process, and positive comments about its pricing.
Read our full Rias home insurance review.
Despite a positive Trustpilot score, customers online repeatedly complained about how long it takes for Churchill to deal with claims. However, it is praised for competitive premiums and renewal prices.
Read our full Churchill home insurance review.
Esure’s Trustpilot reviews mention competitive quotes for home insurance, and the ease of its application. There’s also praise for its claims process, and the quality of its customer service over the phone. However, reviews do mention how hard it is to get someone on the phone in the first place.
Read our full Esure home insurance review.
Hastings Direct is frequently praised online for its competitive new customer quotes, the ease of its application process, and its home emergency cover. However, multiple customers have taken issue with how difficult it is to cancel its policies.
Read our full Hastings Direct home insurance review.
Home insurance acts as a financial safeguard for your property and the personal possessions within it and typically comprises two types. Buildings insurance can cover the financial burden of repairing or rebuilding your home if it suffers damage from accidents such as fire, floods or storms. Contents cover, meanwhile, can allow you to replace or repair your possessions if they’re stolen or damaged. Many providers offer a combined policy, protecting both your home and items, and these may be cheaper than individual coverage.
When trying to find the best home insurance provider for your profile, it is worth considering the following:
Understand what is covered under the policy. Typically, a home insurance policy covers the structure of your home, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses, in case your house is under repair. Check thoroughly to confirm you’re purchasing through the best home insurer for you. Ensure the policy covers the types of damage likely in your area, such as flooding or wildfires. If they are omitted, you may need to buy additional coverage.
Home insurance for high-value items offers specialised coverage beyond standard policies, ensuring prized possessions, including art, antiques, and jewellery, are adequately protected against theft, loss, or damage.
The amount of coverage you need depends on the value of your home and personal belongings. Check the insurance would cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your belongings, and remember to consider the value of any major renovations or additions to your home.
The excess is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A policy with a higher excess will typically have a lower premium, but you’ll need to pay more if you make a claim.
For example, you could save on average £17 for every £100 extra you agree to pay in voluntary excess.[7] But if you do need to make a claim, you’ll be hit with a bigger bill.
Premiums are the cost of the policy, usually billed monthly or annually. Check what factors may affect your premium, such as your home’s age, location, or your credit score, and if there’s anything you can do to lower it.
Some insurance companies offer discounts if you have a home security system installed in your home, if you bundle your home and auto insurance or if you are a long-time customer. Don’t hesitate to ask about any discounts you might qualify for.
Understand what is excluded under the policy. Generally, this includes damage due to a build-up of water, pet damage, neglect, or intentional loss.
You might want to consider policy upgrades depending on your possessions and lifestyle. For instance, running a business from home or having high-value items like jewellery or artwork could require additional coverage.
Understand the insurer’s claims process before you sign up. How easy is it to file a claim and how quickly do they typically process and pay claims?
Look at the insurance company’s ratings and reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Defaqto. Check how they handle claims and their customer service reputation.
Based on Fairer Finance’s customer experience ratings, Ecclesiastical has the best customer service.[8] The following providers receive a ‘Gold Ribbon’ from Fairer Finance for their customer experience:
The average combined buildings and contents home insurance premium costs £251.33, based on policies purchased through MoneySuperMarket in April 2024.
In comparison, the average buildings-only policy cost £215.63, while a standalone contents policy cost on average £83.58.[9]
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average annual premium for a combined home insurance policy jumped 13 per cent in 2023 to £341.[10] Prices continued to rise between January and March 2024, rising 19 per cent (and 3 per cent quarter-on-quarter) to £375.[11]
With premiums on the rise, it’s even more important to try and keep costs down. The tips below can help you do just that:
The best home insurance policy isn’t one-size-fits-all, so the best home insurer can vary greatly depending on factors like your home’s location, your coverage needs, and your budget.
To find a home insurance provider, it’s generally recommended to get quotes from multiple companies and compare their offerings in terms of coverage, price, customer service, and claims satisfaction. Consider your specific needs and circumstances when evaluating these factors. Remember, the cheapest isn’t always the best if it doesn’t provide the coverage you need.
Be sure to read the details of each policy carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.
While home insurance isn’t required by law, there are many benefits gained by purchasing cover.
Every insurance policy is different, and not all policies will provide all of these benefits. Always read your policy carefully and talk to your insurance provider if you have any questions about what’s covered.
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question because the “best” home insurance provider can greatly depend on personal circumstances and coverage needs. Different providers may excel in different areas.
For example, some providers might offer the most affordable premiums, but might not provide the level of coverage you need, or they might not have the best customer service. Conversely, a provider that has excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage might be more expensive.
Home insurance costs in the UK have been subject to fluctuations over the years due to a range of factors, including changes in the regulatory environment, and broader economic trends.
Climate change has also led to more frequent and severe weather events, such as floods and storms, which increases the number and cost of insurance claims and potentially leads to higher premiums.
The insurance market itself is also cyclical and can go through ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ phases, which can affect premium levels. In a ‘hard’ market, insurers tend to tighten their underwriting criteria and increase premiums, while in a ‘soft’ market, competition often leads to lower premiums.
While home insurance is not a legal requirement, if your property is mortgaged, most lenders will require you to have building insurance at the very least. This type of insurance protects the structure of your home, including fixtures and fittings, from unforeseen damage such as fire, flood, or vandalism.
Contents insurance is usually optional and more about protecting your assets rather than satisfying any legal or contractual requirement.
Obtaining house insurance involves answering a series of questions to assess risk and determine your premium. Insurers typically inquire about:
Answering accurately is crucial, as misinformation can invalidate your insurance.
There are a number of circumstances where normal home insurance might not be the right fit for your property. This can include if your home is built from non-standard construction materials, such as a timber or steel frame.
These specialist policies extend beyond what your home is built from, however. You can also take out non-standard home insurance if you own a listed building or high value property, have a home that is a flood risk, or if your house is under construction or being renovated.
Second home insurance is typically more expensive than primary residence coverage due to heightened risks. These properties often stand unoccupied, making them vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or maintenance issues that can escalate unnoticed, compounding the potential for more severe claims.
Additionally, if the home is in a location prone to environmental hazards or used as a holiday home, the likelihood of damage could increase, further elevating the risk profile. Insurers account for these variables, reflecting the increased risk in higher premiums.
While not mandatory, it’s prudent for both property owners to be listed on the home insurance policy. This safeguards each party’s financial interest, ensuring seamless claim processing and payout allocation.
If only one owner is named, any compensation is legally theirs, potentially creating disputes or complications, especially in non-marital ownership.
You can check your home insurance policy by reviewing the policy document, often sent via email or available on your insurer’s online portal. This document details your coverage, exclusions, and conditions. For clarity or if you can’t find your policy, contact your insurer directly for assistance.
