Cheap renters' contents insurance
How best to compare contents insurance for renters and tenants
Almost half of renters DON'T have contents insurance – leaving them on the hook if there’s a break-in, fire, or flood. Your landlord insures the building, not your belongings. If you rent – whether solo, with a partner, or in a flat-share – this guide explains how to protect your stuff, and how to get cheap renters’ contents insurance.
Or we can now take you through our home insurance cost-cutting system step by step with our new Compare+ Home Insurance tool*.
MSE's Compare+ Home Insurance tool
You could save £100s on your home insurance policy costs by switching insurer. Our advice has always been to never just auto-renew – instead combine comparison sites to scour 100s of insurers and save money in minutes.
MSE's Compare+ Home Insurance tool is designed to take the hard work out of finding cheap home insurance online. Here's how it works...
Fill in just one questionnaire. We've borrowed MoneySupermarket's (so if you've used it before, your answers can be auto-filled).
Get MSE's unique Price Impact Indicators as you answer. Every question has a badge, telling you what impact it's likely to have on your quote.
See insurance quotes as a benchmark. These are from MoneySupermarket's comparison. But of course we want you to beat them...
Find which other comparisons to add in, and in what order. Different comparison sites include different insurers, and even where the same firms are listed, they can have different prices for them. So do as many as you've time for.
Use personalised tips to cut costs further. Including whether upping your voluntary excess is likely to save money, checking if you should combine home and car cover and tips on how best to pay (annually's usually cheaper than monthly).
To see how it works, just try it... MSE's Compare+ Home Insurance tool.
If you prefer to do more of your own research when it comes to getting quotes, there's still our tried-and-tested steps to getting the cheapest home insurance premiums below, including the comparison sites to check out.
What is renters' contents insurance?
Contents insurance protects your belongings against theft, fire, flooding, burst pipes, storms and more. Think of it as cover for everything that would fall out if you tipped your home upside down – furniture, clothes, gadgets, even the food in your freezer, though you may want appliance insurance specifically). You also have the option to cover the items you'd usually take with you when you're out of the home.
It’s different from buildings insurance, which covers the structure of the property (walls, roof, fittings). That’s the landlord’s responsibility. Your bit is just protecting what’s yours. Read our guide for more about the types of cover you do and don't need as a tenant.
Do you actually need it?
There's no law saying you must have contents insurance. But ask yourself this: could you afford to replace everything you own if it was lost or stolen?
A few things to think about:
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Location: Is your area prone to burglary or flooding?
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Lifestyle: Do you own high-value gadgets, jewellery or bikes?
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Living situation: More housemates = more risk of stuff going missing.
For many people, contents insurance for renters is the only way they could afford to replace everything. If you'd struggle to replace your belongings, renters' insurance can be a financial lifesaver, eg, if you pay £100 a year for cover and suffer £2,000 of damage, that’s a 20× return on investment.
What does contents insurance cover?
Contents insurance protects your belongings if they’re stolen, damaged or destroyed. Most policies cover:
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Theft (with signs of forced entry).
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Fire, smoke, lightning and explosions.
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Flooding, burst pipes and storm damage.
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Riots or vandalism.
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Items in outbuildings (eg, shed or garage).
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Spoiled food if your freezer breaks down.
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Cash stolen from your home (up to a limit).
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Legal liability if someone’s injured in your home and it’s deemed your fault.
Remember: There are limits per item and in total. Expensive items like jewellery, bikes or gadgets may need listing separately. Always check your policy documents.
What ISN'T covered by contents insurance?
Some situations you might assume are covered aren’t. Common exclusions include:
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Normal wear and tear.
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Homes left unoccupied for 30+ days (see unoccupied while away for more).
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Accidental damage (unless you pay extra).
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Theft without forced entry. (Read our Burglary and theft home insurance guide for more info.)
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The building itself (walls, roof, fittings – that’s your landlord’s responsibility).
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High-value items above the policy’s single-item limit unless added separately (eg, bicycle cover or jewellery insurance).
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Items outside the home unless you buy “personal possessions” cover.
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Home emergencies like boiler breakdowns (usually the landlord’s job).
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Business use (stock, or customers visiting your home).
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Acts of terrorism.
Always read your policy carefully — especially the limits and add-ons — to avoid nasty surprises when you claim.
Add-ons worth considering
If the basics aren't enough, you can often bolt on extra cover:
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Accidental damage – spills, drops, smashed glass.
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Personal possessions cover (aka “all-risks”) for belongings you carry outside. This is especially relevant for renters in flats who carry laptops or bikes outside the home.
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Bicycle cover – sometimes needs listing separately.
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Home emergency - boiler breakdowns, burst pipes.
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Legal cover - pays for disputes (eg, a dodgy tradesperson).
Six contents insurance need-to-knows
Here are our top tips to help you get a policy that's right for you, and give you that peace of mind.
Work out the true replacement value of everything you own — clothes, gadgets, furniture, even crockery – on a “new-for-old” basis. If you lowball it, insurers can slash payouts.
Eg, if you say your contents are worth £10k when they’re really £20k, then claim £5k after a burglary, the insurer may only pay £2.5k.
Most policies cap payouts at £1,000–£2,000 per item. Expensive jewellery, bikes, laptops or gaming PCs often need to be listed separately. Always keep receipts or proof of purchase – insurers may ask before paying out.
If you can, pay the full premium upfront. Monthly payments are essentially a high-interest loan. If you can't afford to, you could consider using a 0% credit card – but clear it before interest kicks in.
If you’re just doing clerical work (emails, calls, laptop use), you don’t need to tell your insurer. But if you store stock, have customers visiting, or run a business from home, you’ll likely need extra cover.
Don't underestimate what your contents are worth, otherwise your claim may not be paid in full
Own high-value items, for example, a bike or gaming PC? Tell your insurer about them before taking out cover
Beware paying for insurance monthly – you're really getting a costly loan
Working from home? You only need to tell your insurer if you've brought stock home or have business visitors
How to get the cheapest contents insurance quote
Not all renters need the same type of cover. How you live - solo, with family, in a house-share, or if you’re a student - makes a big difference.
I live alone, with a partner or family
Typically, it’s easiest to get a standard contents-only policy. Homeowners usually combine buildings + contents – as a renter, you just need contents.
Step 1: Use price comparison sites
Start with comparison sites to get a benchmark. The quickest way is via our new Compare+ Home Insurance tool, – you fill in one form and generate quotes, with tailored tips to cut costs.
You’ll usually get the best results by comparing contents insurance quotes on all three main sites. If short on time, we've ranked them in order of those that most often return the cheapest quotes (see ) so you've the best chance of bagging the top deal.
The quickest way to get started is to use our new Compare+ Home Insurance tool - fill in one form and generate quotes, with bespoke tips to help you save.
Site | Official perk info & MSE analysis |
|---|---|
Try as many as you can, in this order... | |
Official perk info: A Greggs hot drink per month and the choice of a £20 gift card to use on over 100 brands, including M&S, John Lewis, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Argos, and more. MSE perk analysis: The value of 12 hot drinks can be as much as nearly £40 before you add the £20 voucher of your choice. | |
Official perk info: Meerkat Movies and Meals, including Caffe Nero. A year's 2for1s on cinema tickets (Tue and Wed nights), including discounts on dining out meals, pizza deliveries and at Caffe Nero. | |
Official perk info: SuperSaveClub and price promise Price promise: If you buy home insurance, then find a cheaper like-for-like policy with the same insurer (either direct or via another comparison site), MoneySupermarket refunds the difference plus a £20 gift card. MSE perk analysis: The Free Days Out pass gives you one adult entry to places across the UK, so used regularly it could be worth £100s. The £15 gift card or prepaid Mastercard is a bonus, as long as the quote's competitive. You can use the price promise even if you’re not a member of the SuperSaveClub, though you'll have to claim it. See our full . | |
Then, to boost chances of finding a cheap quote further, try... | |
Currently no perks for home insurance. | |
Another comparison site, it gives access to Rewards+ within 60 days of a policy purchase, which it says offers savings at up to 1,000 retailers. | |
You won't find this insurer on most comparison sites, so it's worth a try. | |
Step 2: Check insurers not on comparison sites
Some insurers aren’t on comparison sites, or run special promos (eg, Amazon vouchers). Factor perks in as a discount and see if they beat your best comparison-site quote.
Insurer | Deal information |
|---|---|
Get a £25 Amazon voucher. New and returning customers who buy a contents-only, buildings-only or combined policy via our Coverbaloo link* will receive a £25 Amazon voucher. Existing policyholders who bought their original policy via our link can also get the voucher if they renew during the promo period. Voucher will be emailed around 90 days after the policy start date. | |
| Get a £15 Amazon voucher when you use the code MSE_OFFER. Urban Jungle home insurance newbies and returning customers who buy a contents-only, buildings-only or combined policy via this Urban Jungle link*, and use the code MSE_OFFER, will be emailed the voucher 30 days after the policy has been in place for six months |
Important: Don't let the vouchers/cashback/gifts sway you – always make sure the policy meets your needs, and get alternative quotes to compare.
Step 3: Struggling to get cheap cover? Go to a broker
If you’ve unusual circumstances (eg, bankruptcy, CCJs, flood/subsidence risk, long unoccupied periods) or you want a multi-name flat-share policy, go to a broker – an insurance expert, who knows the market and can give you advice on getting the right cover for your specific needs. You can:
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Find one via the British Insurance Brokers' Association or by calling 0370 950 1790
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Or try specialists such as Home Protect* or Intelligent Insurance*.
Step 4: Check the policy carefully before buying
Always double-check the policy terms. Once you’ve found the cheapest option:
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Click through to the insurer’s own site to confirm the details (comparison sites sometimes make assumptions).
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Play with policy settings – eg, adjust the voluntary excess – to see if you can trim the cost further.
Step 5: See if you can get cashback on your cheapest quote
Cashback sites earn a ‘lead fee' from insurers and share some with you. Great if it works, but treat it as a bonus, not guaranteed. Two ways to try:
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Route A: Use cashback versions of comparison sites (eg, Confused.com via Topcashback* or MoneySuperMarket via Quidco*, These can add £30–£35 cashback, but you may lose the standard perks.
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Route B: Once you know your cheapest insurer, check cashback sites to see if they’ll pay you to buy direct.
Always compare the base prices first. Don’t let a big cashback sway you into a pricier policy – it may not track or pay out. Our Top cashback sites guide has full information on how these sites work.
I'm a student, or share with flatmates or friends
If you're a student, or live in a flat- or house-share, getting contents cover can be more complicated. You’ve really only got two options – a room-only cover just for you or a joint policy for everyone. Each has pros and cons.
Many home insurance policies cover children’s belongings under “temporarily removed from the home”. If your parents’ policy includes this, you may already be insured in halls or a house-share. If not, you’ll likely need a specialist student or room-only policy.
Room-only contents insurance
Room-only contents insurance protects only your room – not communal areas – and usually requires a lockable door for full theft cover. It basically insures your belongings in the room you live in. Having a lock on the door ensures you have full theft cover as insurers will usually only deal with claims if there are signs of forced entry (a break-in). Because of this, cover rarely extends to communal areas like the kitchen or lounge. This option avoids the risk of being linked to your housemates when submitting a claim.
If you choose room-only cover, go to I live alone, or with a partner or family
Contents insurance for house-share tenants
Joint policies can be cheaper per person, but any claim by one housemate impacts everyone’s premiums for up to five years. It is set up such that everyone in the property is named as a joint policyholder (though some insurers may restrict how many can be named or how they are connected). This can work out cheaper per head but does come with strings attached – if one housemate makes a claim, everyone’s premium goes up and you’ll all need to declare it when buying a new policy. It can also gets messy if someone moves out mid-tenancy or a new tenant joins.
Here's how to get a cheap joint policy:
Step 1: Go to a broker
For joint policies with multiple names, your best bet is an insurance broker. They know the market and can match you to the right cover.
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Find one via the British Insurance Brokers' Association website (or phone 0370 950 1790)
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Or try specialists such as Home Protect* and Intelligent Insurance*, which work with insurers willing to cover harder-to-place cases.
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Another provider is Urban Jungle who have been known to provide joint policies. And if you buy a policy via this Urban Jungle link*, and use the code MSE_OFFER, will be emailed a £15 Amazon voucher 30 days after the policy has been in place for six months.
Step 2: Check the policy carefully before buying
Always double-check the policy terms. Once you've found the cheapest quote to suit you and your wallet, make two important checks:
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Click through to the insurer’s own site to confirm the details (comparison sites may make assumptions).
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Tweak the policy settings – eg, adjust the voluntary excess – to see if you can shave more off the cost without losing key cover.
I live with the homeowner
If you live with the homeowner, you may be able to join their policy – but room-only contents insurance can be simpler and avoids relying on your landlord to make a claim. If you choose to go it alone then a room-only policy is the way to go. Remember, your contents won't be covered in communal areas unless there is forced entry into the home.
If it's cheaper (or a lot less hassle) to be added to your landlord's policy, there're a few things to be aware of:
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The landlord would need to make the claim – do you trust them to do so if it's just your stuff stolen/damaged (as it would affect their no-claims bonus)?
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Would they give you the resulting cash from a claim?
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Does the landlord plan to excessively up your rent to cover the insurance?
Even if you have a trusting relationship with your landlord, not all insurers will put lodgers on an existing policy. Ask your landlord to check with their insurer.
How to make a contents insurance claim
Claiming shouldn’t be daunting if you know your policy terms and excess. Here’s what to do if the worst happens:
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If it’s theft: Report it to the police and get a crime reference number – you’ll need it for your claim.
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If it’s emergency damage: Act fast but stay safe.
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Gas leak – call National Grid on 0800 111 999
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Electrical issue – call your local electricity distributor (not your supplier). See a list of emergency contact numbers).
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Sewage hazard – report to your council.
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Repairs – speak to your landlord first and never take risks. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines if you need urgent help.
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Submit your claim quickly: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to avoid delays. Complex claims can take time, so starting early helps.
Expect to pay your excess. This is your contribution to the claim. You’ll also need to provide details of the loss/damage and evidence (eg, photos, receipts).
How to complain about your insurance provider
The insurance industry generally doesn't have the best customer-service reputation and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others. Common problems include
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Claims not being paid out on time or at all,
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Unfair charges
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Exclusions being hidden in small print.
If you’re a renter struggling to claim on your contents insurance for renters policy, you can use the free complaints tool Resolver. The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn't play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.
Contents insurance FAQs
If you become less of a risk, you increase your chances of getting cheaper contents insurance.
One way to do this is to make sure your home is secure, whether that's by upgrading the lock on the main door to your home, or fitting a lock to your 'self-contained' room, or both.
Without an approved lock, it's difficult to find a policy giving you theft cover. So know your locks.
Keep all your contents in your locked room. Anything left in a communal area is unlikely to be insured against theft. Remember, cover for theft only applies when there's violent and/or forced entry.
There are two main types of cover when it comes to replacing your goods. New-for-old entitles you to brand new stuff (or cash to the same value) if your insurer agrees to replace your damaged or stolen goods.
Other policies will cover you for the value of the goods at the time of the loss – these are usually known as indemnity policies.
An indemnity policy may be cheaper, but you only get a minor payout if you need to claim. So new-for-old is the best way to go. When you calculate the cost of your contents, value your items as if they're new.
Each policy normally comes with a compulsory excess, plus a voluntary excess if you've selected one. A compulsory excess does what it says on the tin. If you make a claim, it's the amount you pay towards the cost. If your TV was stolen and you made a claim for £500, and had a compulsory excess of £50 – a typical sum – you'd get £450.
If you have a £50 voluntary excess and a £50 compulsory excess, you'd only get £400 for the same claim.
The provider will tell you how much the compulsory excess is when you buy the policy.
The voluntary excess (if any) is entirely up to you. A higher voluntary excess will lower the cost of your annual or monthly premium, as the insurer pays less if you have to make a claim. But think carefully: if you can't afford to cover a large chunk of the cost if you need to claim, opt for a lower voluntary excess.
Almost all insurers restrict the number of days you can leave your home unoccupied for while still covering you – usually 30 days.
Leaving it empty for long periods makes it more at risk of burglary. In addition, if there's a leak into your flat or home and you're not there for months to be able to get it sorted, then more of your stuff is likely to be damaged and the claim amount a lot higher.
If you're going to be away for a prolonged period, then you'll likely need unoccupied home insurance. Read our Unoccupied home insurance guide for more info on what this cover is and whether you need it or not.
Many flat-buyers (and, increasingly, those purchasing new-build properties) find they are a leaseholder, rather than a freeholder.
This means as leaseholders they only have the right to live in the property – they don't actually own the building or the land it's built on. That belongs to a separate landlord or property management company.
In this case, it's almost always a landlord's responsibility to insure the building – its structure, cost of rebuild and so on, in the event of a disaster – but NOT your contents (do check, though).
If you're a leaseholder, don't fall into the trap of thinking your landlord covers your contents insurance as well; you WILL need to buy your own policy.
Can I get cheaper insurance if I make my home more secure?
Will my old goods be replaced with new ones if I have to claim?
Do I have to pay an excess if I make a claim?
I'm going away on holiday, am I still covered?
I'm a leasehold homeowner, not a tenant. Do I need to take out buildings and contents insurance?
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