Switching home insurance providers can feel like a chore. Many of us stick with our current insurer year after year. This often happens because we think it’s too complicated or time-consuming to switch. However, staying put might mean you’re paying more than you need to. It could also mean you’re not getting the best cover for your needs. In 2026, Which? surveyed over 2,800 home insurance customers. They looked at 35 different providers.
This shows that while many policies are adequate, there’s often room for improvement. The average customer score for home insurance is 68%. This suggests that many people aren’t completely satisfied with their current providers. It’s worth exploring if a different policy could offer better value or more comprehensive protection. Understanding when and how to switch is key to ensuring you have the right cover.
Here’s what you actually need to know.
What is Home Insurance?
Home insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a regular premium. In return, the insurer agrees to pay for certain damages or losses to your home and its contents. There are two main types: buildings insurance and contents insurance. Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, including walls, roofs, and foundations. Contents insurance covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing.
Many people assume their existing policy is the best they can get. This is rarely true. What I tend to notice is that loyalty doesn’t always pay with insurance. Insurers often offer better deals to new customers. This means if you’ve been with the same provider for a while, you might be overpaying. It’s important to remember that your circumstances can change. You might have renovated your home, bought new valuable items, or your neighbourhood might have seen changes in crime rates. These factors can affect how much cover you need and how much it should cost. My first move would be to check if my current policy still meets my needs and if the price is competitive.
Why Switching Home Insurance Matters
The decision to switch home insurance providers isn’t just about saving money, though that’s a significant factor. It’s also about ensuring you have the right protection for your property and belongings. The average combined home insurance score in the UK is 69%. This average score suggests that many policies might be falling short in some areas. For instance, the average claims score is 65%. This indicates that when people need to make a claim, the experience isn’t always smooth.
Consider a scenario where you’ve recently invested in expensive home improvements, like a new kitchen or a loft conversion. If your policy hasn’t been updated, the increased value of your property might not be fully covered. This could leave you significantly out of pocket if you need to make a claim. Similarly, if you’ve acquired valuable items, such as art or high-end electronics, you’ll need to ensure your contents insurance is adequate. Without checking, you might find that your policy has limits on individual item values, and you’re underinsured for your most prized possessions.
What I’d do is regularly review my home’s value and my possessions. I’d then compare this against my current policy’s limits. If there’s a mismatch, it’s a clear sign to start looking for a new provider. It’s also worth noting that customer service can vary wildly between insurers. A policy that seems cheaper might come with a long waiting time for claims or unhelpful staff. This is where looking at customer scores becomes vital. For example, NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance achieved a high combined score of 86%, suggesting a strong all-round performance.
Ultimately, staying with the same insurer out of habit can lead to paying for cover you don’t need or, worse, not having enough cover when you need it most. A proactive approach to your home insurance can save you money and provide peace of mind.
Where People Go Wrong with Home Insurance
Paying More Than Necessary by Not Shopping Around
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is simply accepting their renewal quote. Insurers often increase premiums year on year, assuming customers won’t switch. This is particularly true for those who have been with the same provider for a long time. Research shows that loyalty doesn’t always pay. By not comparing quotes from different providers, you could be missing out on significant savings. For example, many comparison sites allow you to get quotes from dozens of insurers in minutes. This simple step can reveal cheaper alternatives with comparable or even better cover.
Assuming All Policies Offer the Same Cover
It’s easy to think that all home insurance policies are the same. However, the level of cover can vary dramatically. Some policies might exclude certain risks, like flood damage or subsidence, unless you pay extra. Others might have lower limits for specific items, such as jewellery or electronics. If you have valuable items or live in an area prone to specific risks, you need to ensure your policy adequately covers these. For instance, if you live in a flood-prone area, you must check that flood cover is included as standard or can be added easily. Failing to do this could mean a devastating loss with no financial recourse.
Not Updating Your Policy After Changes
Life happens, and so do changes to your home. You might have renovated your kitchen, added an extension, or installed solar panels. You might have also acquired valuable new possessions. If you don’t inform your insurer about these changes, your policy might become invalid. This is because the sum insured may no longer accurately reflect the value of your home or its contents. In the event of a claim, the insurer could reduce the payout or refuse it altogether. It’s crucial to keep your insurer informed of any significant changes to your property or belongings. This ensures your cover remains accurate and sufficient.
What I’d do in this situation is set a reminder on my phone for a month before my renewal date. This prompts me to review my policy and start comparing prices. It’s a small step that can lead to substantial savings and better cover. For instance, if you’ve recently upgraded your home security, this could even lead to a discount on your premium. Checking if your insurer offers incentives for security upgrades is a good idea.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Provider | Combined Score | Customer Score |
|---|---|---|
| NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance | 86% | 87% |
| LV Home Plus Insurance | 81% | 81% |
| M&S Bank Premier Home Insurance | 80% | 80% |
| Coverbaloo Home Insurance (Ageas) | 78% | 77% |
| NFU Mutual Home Insurance | 78% | 81% |
| Aviva Signature Home Insurance | 77% | 77% |
| Halifax Ultimate Home Insurance | 77% | 77% |
| Saga Plus Home Insurance | 77% | 77% |
Your Guide to Switching Home Insurance
When to Consider Switching
The most obvious time to consider switching is when your current policy is up for renewal. This is your opportunity to shop around and see what other providers are offering. However, there are other triggers. If you’ve recently made significant changes to your home, such as a renovation or extension, it’s a good time to reassess your cover. Similarly, if you’ve acquired valuable new items, you’ll need to ensure your contents insurance is up to date. Experiencing a problem with your current insurer, such as poor customer service or a difficult claims process, is also a strong reason to look elsewhere. Don’t wait until you need to make a claim to discover your insurer isn’t up to the task.
How to Compare Policies Effectively
When comparing home insurance policies, don’t just look at the price. While a lower premium is attractive, it’s crucial to understand what you’re actually getting for your money. Start by checking the level of cover for both buildings and contents. Pay attention to the sum insured for each. Ensure it’s high enough to cover the full cost of rebuilding your home or replacing all your belongings. Also, look at the excess. This is the amount you’ll have to pay if you make a claim. A policy with a lower premium but a very high excess might not be the best value if you’re likely to need to claim.
Consider the optional extras and add-ons. Do you need cover for accidental damage, or for specific items like bicycles or jewellery away from home? Make sure the policy includes what you need. Reading the policy documents carefully, or at least the summary of cover, is essential. This will highlight any exclusions or limitations. For example, if you have valuable art, you’ll need to check the single item limit for contents insurance. You might need to insure these items separately.
What I’d do is create a checklist of my essential cover requirements. Then, I’d use this checklist to compare policies side-by-side. This helps ensure I’m not overlooking any critical details. For instance, if you have a home office with expensive equipment, you’ll need to ensure that’s adequately covered under your contents insurance. A good way to manage this is by using a high-quality security camera to monitor your home office when you’re away, potentially lowering your risk profile.
Making the Switch
Once you’ve chosen a new policy, the switching process is usually straightforward. Most insurers and comparison sites will guide you through it. You’ll typically need to provide details about your property, your claims history, and your desired start date. It’s important to ensure there’s no gap in cover between your old policy ending and your new one beginning. This means timing the switch carefully. You can usually cancel your old policy at any time, but check for any cancellation fees. Some insurers might offer pro-rata refunds for the unused portion of your premium.
It’s also a good idea to have your current policy details to hand when you’re applying for a new one. This will help you accurately answer questions about your existing cover and claims history. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, don’t hesitate to contact the new insurer for clarification. For example, if you have a water leak detector, you should inform your insurer as this can help prevent damage and potentially lower your premiums.
- 1Review Your Current PolicyUnderstand your current cover levels, excess, and premium. Note any specific add-ons you have.
- 2Assess Your NeedsConsider any changes to your home or possessions since you last reviewed your policy.
- 3Compare QuotesUse comparison websites and check direct insurers. Look beyond just the price.
- 4Choose and PurchaseSelect the policy that best meets your needs and budget. Complete the application process.
- 5Cancel Old PolicyInform your old insurer you are switching, ensuring no overlap or gap in cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it always cheaper to switch home insurance? ▾
What happens if I switch mid-term? ▾
Do I need to tell my insurer about home security improvements? ▾
Can I get home insurance if I have a criminal record? ▾
What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance? ▾
Switching your home insurance provider annually is a smart financial habit. It ensures you’re getting competitive pricing and adequate cover for your current needs. Don’t let the perceived hassle deter you from potentially saving money and gaining better protection.
If this was useful, you might also want to read Top Tips for Protecting Your UK Property Insurance.
Sources and Further Reading
Subsidence in the UK: What to Do and How Your Property Insurance Can Help — This article provides valuable context on specific property risks that might influence your insurance needs.
Best and worst home insurance providers. Which?, 2026.
Property Lawyer. JustAnswer.
Real Estate Lawyer. JustAnswer.
