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What is home insurance?
Home insurance can cover you against nasty surprises that affect the building you live in and the things you keep there.
Whether that’s swiftly replacing a stolen phone, having a plumber fix a spurting water pipe, or finding you somewhere to stay if your home can’t be lived in following an insured event. We’ll be there when you need us.
You can focus on making the most of the place you call home.
Home insurance to cover what matters most
Our home insurance comes in two parts, which can be bought separately or together. Which cover you'll need depends on a variety of reasons, including if you’re a homeowner or renter, and the type of property, such as a freehold house or leasehold flat.
Buildings and contents
This is your typical homeowner insurance, which covers damage to the property itself and the items inside the house.
Get a quoteBuildings only insurance
Covers the main structures of your home, including permanent fixtures. This is often a requirement of any mortgage.
Get a quoteContents only insurance
Covers your possessions within your home. This might be suitable if you rent, lease or already have buildings insurance.
Get a quoteWhat is covered by Direct Line Home Insurance
We offer three cover types with varying policy limits. Use the table to compare our cover levels.
What am I covered for?
- Somewhere for you and your family to stay if an insured event means you can't live at home
- Damage caused by fire, lighting, storm or flood, theft, vandalism and more
- Locks and keys for outside doors replaced if they're lost or stolen
What am I not covered for?
- Wear and tear, maintenance and routine decoration
- The cost of repairing or replacing items following a mechanical or electrical fault
- Damage or theft if the house has been unoccupied for more than 60 days in a row
For full detaills, see our policy document (pdf)
Compare cover limits
Get to know what's included before you choose your cover.
| Essentials | Home | Home Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
Buildings sum insured
More about buildings sum insuredThis is the rebuild cost for your home. It's different from your home's market value or council tax band, as those include the value of the land. If something happens to your home and the structure needs to be rebuilt, your buildings sum insured is is the upper limit of what you can claim. It covers permanent fixtures and fittings both outside and inside, including kitchen units, patios, garden walls, gates, fences and outbuildings. Get an idea of how much you might need using the rebuild cost calculator from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £500,000 | Up to £1 million | Unlimited |
Contents sum insured
More about contents sum insuredIf something happens to your contents and they need to be replaced, this is the upper limit of what you can claim. This might be an appliance or an antique, a bed or a bicycle. Whatever the type of thing, if it's part of your home contents (but not your car or something of your landlord's), this is the sum that covers it. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £50,000 | Up to £175,000 | Up to £175,000 |
Trace and access (buildings)
More about trace and accessIf a water leak or oil leak is causing damage and part of your building needs removing to get to the source of the leak, we'll cover the cost. That means both the removal, and the cost of getting things back to normal. We won't cover the thing that's leaking, such as a tank, pipe, appliance or heating system. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £2,500 | Up to £5,000 | Up to £10,000 |
Service pipes and cables
More about service pipes and cablesFor pipes and cables that run underground to service your home, and for which you're legally responsible, we'll cover accidental damage. The same goes for tanks and drains. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £2,000 | Included | Included |
Theft from outbuildings (contents)
More about theft from outbuildingsCover for items that are stolen (or damaged during a theft) from your garage or other outbuilding that's part of your home. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £2,500 | Up to £5,000 | |
Personal possessions
More about personal possessionsYou can add cover for items that you normally wear or carry when you're out and about. This means items worth £2,000 or less each, such as phones, watches, glasses and sports equipment. For Home and Home Plus customers, the cover includes up to 60 days abroad in any one policy year. Full details are in your policy document. |
Optional Up to £2,000 single item limit (UK only) |
Optional Up to £2,000 single item limit (UK and 60 days Worldwide) |
Included Up to £4,000 single item limit (UK and 60 days Worldwide) |
Alternative accommodation for you and your pets
More about alternative accommodationIf we've accepted a claim, and the repairs mean you can't stay at home, talk to us about your plans for somewhere else to stay. Once we've agreed the costs with you, we'll cover where you're staying and kennel fees for any pets, as well as lost rent. The same applies if your home is occupied by squatters. Full details are in your policy document. |
Buildings up to £25,000 Contents up to £15,000 |
Buildings up to £25,000 Contents up to £15,000 |
Buildings up to £50,000 Contents up to £30,000 |
Matching sets and suites
More about matching sets and suitesFor bathroom suites or fitted kitchens, if you've got a set or a suite of which one part is damaged beyond repair, we'll aim to replace that part. For bathroom suites or fitted kitchens, if you've got a set or a suite of which one part is damaged beyond repair, we'll aim to replace that part. Full details are in your policy document. |
Included | ||
Property Owner's Liability
More about Property Owner's LiabilityWe'll cover the damages you have to pay for accidental harm to someone else or their property, up to the relevant cover limit. We may also cover expenses and legal fees, where we've agreed this in writing beforehand. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £1 million | Up to £2 million | Up to £5 million |
Accidental Damage (buildings)
More about accidental damage (buildings)This covers things that happen to your buildings suddenly, unexpectedly and unintentionally. It’s not for general wear and tear, or things that just break down. Buildings examples include:
Full details are in your policy document. |
Optional | Optional | Included |
Frozen food
More about frozen foodIf the food in your fridge or freezer gets spoiled because of the appliance having an unexpected temperature change or refrigerant leak, we'll cover the cost of any spoiled food. Full details are in your policy document. |
Up to £500 | Included | Included |
Accidental Damage (contents)
More about accidental damage (contents)This covers things that happen to your contents suddenly, unexpectedly and unintentionally. It’s not for general wear and tear, or things that just break down. Contents examples include:
Full details are in your policy document. |
Optional | Optional | Included |
Home Emergency cover
More about Home Emergency coverNew parts, labour and callout charges are all included for emergency repairs up to £500 per callout. Examples include:
Full details are in your policy document. |
Optional | Optional | Included |
Family Legal Protection
More about Family Legal ProtectionGet cover for legal costs if there’s a greater than 50% chance of success. With 24/7 access to legal assistance. Examples include:
Full details are in your policy document. |
Optional | Optional | Included |
Reasons to choose Direct Line Home Insurance
Direct Line has been selling home insurance for over 35 years, so we’re confident we know what we’re doing.
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We'll act fast to replace your tech
We're ready to send replacements for everyday items like phones and laptops within two hours of an approved claim - reconnecting you ASAP.
Theft and accidental loss claims up to £3,000. Cover limits apply. Personal Possessions cover needed for items taken outside the home.
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We give you options
When your claim is approved, you can have a replacement where available, or we'll give you the cash. Items must be stolen or damaged beyond repair. Cash limited to the cost of the replacement to Direct Line. Cover limits apply. Delivery available UK mainland only. Excludes jewellery.
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We fix your uncontrollable leaks
Worried about uncontrollable leaks in the home? With Home Emergency, we can send a plumber within three hours.
Excludes Highlands and Islands. Extreme weather conditions may extend response time. Terms and cover limits apply.
Direct Line has been selling home insurance for over 35 years, so we’re confident we know what we’re doing.
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We'll act fast to replace your tech
We're ready to send replacements for everyday items like phones and laptops within two hours of an approved claim - reconnecting you ASAP.
Theft and accidental loss claims up to £3,000. Cover limits apply. Personal Possessions cover needed for items taken outside the home.
-
We give you options
When your claim is approved, you can have a replacement where available, or we'll give you the cash. Items must be stolen or damaged beyond repair. Cash limited to the cost of the replacement to Direct Line. Cover limits apply. Delivery available UK mainland only. Excludes jewellery.
-
We fix your uncontrollable leaks
Worried about uncontrollable leaks in the home? With Home Emergency, we can send a plumber within three hours.
Excludes Highlands and Islands. Extreme weather conditions may extend response time. Terms and cover limits apply.
Are you a landlord?
Whether it's flexible options or specialist legal advice you need, our landlord insurance has been designed with buy-to-let owners in mind.
Find out more about landlord insurance
if you have Direct Line Car Insurance
This is an introductory discount and will be included in the price we quote. Excludes add-ons.
Get a home insurance quoteKey factors impacting the cost of your home insurance
If you're buying a new home insurance policy
There are many reasons why the cost of your home insurance premium may have changed on renewal, with some having a bigger impact than others.
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Where you live
It could be that you live in a city with a higher crime rate, a woodland area affected by tree roots, or a rural location exposed to severe weather conditions.
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Size of your house
If you live in a large house, the cost to have it rebuilt is likely to increase the buildings element of your quote.
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How close you are to water
Due to a higher risk of flooding, homes near rivers or coastlines are generally more expensive to insure.
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Age and property structure
The age of your property and materials used to build your house can have a huge impact on your quote. For example, wooded structures are particularly vulnerable to fire, termites and rot.
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Your lifestyle
Factors like your age, whether you’re married with children, or if you’re away from home for long periods of time can all have an impact on your quote.
If you're renewing your insurance
There are many reasons why the cost of your home insurance premium may have changed on renewal, with some having a bigger impact than others.
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Previous claims
Your claims history is taken into consideration when pricing your policy. If you’ve made a claim in the previous year this could result in an increased premium.
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Inflation
Inflation increases the price of goods and services, impacting Direct Line’s claims and general expenses. Policy premiums will reflect such changes.
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Crime rate
A spate of crimes resulting in more home insurance claims could see premiums increase to reflect the new risk level of your home’s location.
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Severe weather
Periods of extreme weather, such as prolonged cold or rain, can result in an increase in customer claims. This can lead insurers to review the likely cost of future claims.
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Changes to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)
You don’t pay VAT on insurance, instead you’ll be charged Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). This is included in your premium, so any changes to the rate will affect what you pay.
If you're buying a new home insurance policy
There are many reasons why the cost of your home insurance premium may have changed on renewal, with some having a bigger impact than others.
-
Where you live
It could be that you live in a city with a higher crime rate, a woodland area affected by tree roots, or a rural location exposed to severe weather conditions.
-
Size of your house
If you live in a large house, the cost to have it rebuilt is likely to increase the buildings element of your quote.
-
How close you are to water
Due to a higher risk of flooding, homes near rivers or coastlines are generally more expensive to insure.
-
Age and property structure
The age of your property and materials used to build your house can have a huge impact on your quote. For example, wooded structures are particularly vulnerable to fire, termites and rot.
-
Your lifestyle
Factors like your age, whether you’re married with children, or if you’re away from home for long periods of time can all have an impact on your quote.
If you're renewing your insurance
There are many reasons why the cost of your home insurance premium may have changed on renewal, with some having a bigger impact than others.
-
Previous claims
Your claims history is taken into consideration when pricing your policy. If you’ve made a claim in the previous year this could result in an increased premium.
-
Inflation
Inflation increases the price of goods and services, impacting Direct Line’s claims and general expenses. Policy premiums will reflect such changes.
-
Crime rate
A spate of crimes resulting in more home insurance claims could see premiums increase to reflect the new risk level of your home’s location.
-
Severe weather
Periods of extreme weather, such as prolonged cold or rain, can result in an increase in customer claims. This can lead insurers to review the likely cost of future claims.
-
Changes to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)
You don’t pay VAT on insurance, instead you’ll be charged Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). This is included in your premium, so any changes to the rate will affect what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
If you choose to renew automatically, your renewal won't be any higher than if your policy isn't set up for automatic renewal.
If you don't select automatic renewal, you'll still get a renewal invite before your policy end date. However, cover will stop on the policy end date if you haven't contacted us to renew it.
If you do choose the convenience of automatic renewal, then you will not need to contact us next year to renew your policy.
Yes, if you take out our Personal Possessions cover. This is available as an optional extra under the Direct Line Home Insurance policy and covers your personal belongings (including up to £500 for Money) against theft, loss or accidental damage anywhere in the British Isles and for up to 60 days abroad each year. Any individual items worth more than £2,000 must be specified on the Direct Line Home Insurance policy.
Personal Possessions cover is included as standard under the Direct Line Home Insurance Plus policy (when you select contents cover) and covers your personal belongings (including up to £1,000 for Money) against theft, loss or accidental damage anywhere in the British Isles and for up to 60 days abroad each year. Any individual items worth more than £4,000 must be specified on the policy.
We will provide cover for your contents whilst in storage, but only when using a professional storage facility, for up to 72hrs. Your contents would also be covered against accidental loss or damage whilst you are in the process of moving.
You need to tell us the value of individual items of jewellery, fine art, watches, antiques and sporting guns over £2,000 with Home Insurance or £4,000 with Home Insurance Plus. These items will then be specified (listed) on your policy.
'If you're selling your home, the buildings section of our policy automatically covers the buyer up to the date that the sale completes. However, if you require cover for a new property which you are in the process of buying, or a property which you have already moved into then you will need to speak to our customer services team to discuss this on 0345 246 3564 .
Buildings cover under Direct Line Home Insurance will pay up to £5,000 for Trace and Access cover. This includes removing and replacing any part of the building in order to find the source of water or oil escaping from tanks, pipes, appliances or fixed heating systems that are causing damage to the building.
Cover increases to £10,000 for Home Insurance Plus customers.
What's not covered is repairing or replacing the tanks, pipes or heating systems themselves.
Yes. Direct Line Buildings Insurance customers get up to £25,000 for comparable accommodation including kennel fees for pets, and lost rent. This applies if all or part of your home is not fit to be lived in when a valid claim has been made, or your home is occupied by squatters.
Home Insurance Plus Buildings customers receive up to £50,000 in alternative accommodation cover.
Direct Line Contents Insurance will pay up to £15,000 for the cost of alternative accommodation, kennel fees and the storage of your contents. Cover increases to £30,000 for Home Insurance Plus Contents customers.
Latest articles
Fair prices at Direct Line
From January 2022, all insurers must make sure existing customers are offered the same price at renewal as they would get when buying a new policy. In the insurance industry, this rule change is known as Pricing Practices Regulation, or PPR.
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As moving house can be expensive, many of us opt to improve our existing homes rather than buying somewhere else. But extending your house to create extra space has its challenges. We've put together a few tips to help smooth the process.
The true cost of running your home
Do you want to reduce the cost of running your home? Mortgage payments, energy costs, council tax, home insurance, water charges - the costs can seem never-ending. So, it's good to cut back where you can. Check out our handy tips to discover what you can do to lower your bills.