Compare Landlord Insurance

Buy-to-let insurance, otherwise known as landlord insurance, is cover specifically designed for rental properties. A comprehensive buy-to-let insurance plan, just like regular home insurance, protects your home and its fixtures and fittings in the event of damage or theft.

The reason why landlords can’t use home insurance is because a buy-to-let property carries different risks, and is therefore priced differently. The type of cover might differ too. This is explained in more detail below.

It’s always a good idea to get some level of buy-to-let cover. While you might not need the most expensive insurance, being prepared for the worst can give you some peace of mind that you won’t be at risk of footing an unnecessary bill.

To help you find some of these comprehensive, value-for-money landlord insurance deals we’ve created the table below. You can use it to compare and evaluate some noteworthy deals on the market.

The many factors we look at to determine star ratings include:

This depends on your level of chosen cover. Remember, the cheapest insurance policies don’t always represent the best value for money. They can lack sufficient cover, and ultimately leave you out of pocket. In addition to this, costs will also depend on your rental property too. Your premiums will likely be influenced by the property’s location, size, and build to name just a few variables.

Like home insurance, landlord insurance policies are not a legal necessity. However, when applying for a buy-to-let mortgage, your lender could make this a requirement before releasing money to you. The reason behind this is that it adds another layer of security to your rental property. If, for example, your property is ruined by a flood your mortgage lender will feel comforted that the cost of repairing your property is covered while you keep up with your regular mortgage contributions.

Your chosen landlord insurance policy might not include all cover listed below; these are just some areas of cover which are available.

Buildings and contents cover

Buildings and contents cover should be at the core of your insurance policy.

Since damages to your rental property can come in many forms, through floods or fires for example, buildings cover can protect the value of your property. When covered under this policy, a claim can be used to rebuild or repair any damages caused.

Contents insurance, meanwhile, will cover the items inside your buy-to-let home in case of damage or theft. This is especially important if you’re letting a furnished home with expensive furniture and appliances.

Even if your home is unfurnished it may be worth purchasing contents insurance. This is because it covers things that comes with your buy-to-let property such as carpets or curtains.

Loss of rent cover

Loss of rent cover is designed to cover the gap in your rental income if your buy-to-let home becomes unhabitable. For example, if a fire destroys the roof of your rental home, your tenants will be forced to move out and find alternative accommodation. Until the roof is fixed, you won’t be earning any rent and you’ll suffer from a loss of income.  

It’s important to remember that your buy-to-let mortgage payments don’t stop even if you aren’t receiving rental income. So this cover can give you peace of mind that you’ll always be able to afford your mortgage if the worst were to happen. Otherwise, if you can’t keep up with the payments, you could lose your rental property altogether.    

Legal protection

If you get into a legal dispute with your tenant, it can get costly. Hiring solicitors and other legal resources can take a chunk out of your income, which is why legal protection will cover this cost.

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance can be used to cover legal and compensation costs if someone were to be injured on your property. More information on this can be found in our guide.

In addition to this, you might want to consider employers’ liability insurance. This works similarly to public liability insurance, but is specifically made for any of your employees who are injured on your property. For example, if an electrician is electrocuted while working on your buy-to-let property this type of insurance can fund any legal or compensation costs involved.