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Don't Fall Down The Protection Gap
Do you know what your home insurance covers? It’s time to review your policy and check that you’re adequately protected.
A survey conducted by YouGov has found that many UK adults aren’t sure what their home insurance covers. This uncertainty could prove costly if the unexpected happens and they realise they are underinsured. In this article, we clear up some common misconceptions about home insurance.
Your fridge/freezer contents
The winter months can exacerbate any maintenance issues in your home, and the extreme weather can cause power cuts. If your fridge or freezer breaks down due to a blown fuse or local power outage, it can be tempting to throw everything away immediately. But most people are unaware that spoiled food is often covered under contents insurance. If your freezer is broken long enough for food to spoil, take a photograph of its contents before disposing of them. Your insurer will then estimate the value of the spoiled goods.
Burglaries
In the winter, homes may be more susceptible to break-ins as burglars take the opportunity to act under the cover of darkness. If you experience a break-in, buildings insurance typically covers you for any damage to the home, such as broken windows or damage to doors. Meanwhile, contents insurance generally covers you for any items that are stolen; however, if you have high value items (such as jewellery or bikes), you may need specialist cover.
Lost keys
Misplacing your house or car keys can be stressful and inconvenient, particularly if you need to call out an emergency locksmith. Many people don’t realise that some insurers will cover the cost of replacing lost keys. However, policies can vary, so it’s important to check first.
Accidental damage
Accidents can easily happen around the house, especially if you have children or pets! Accidental damage is an optional add-on - it can protect you against one-off incidents which cause damage to your home, such as a football smashing the window. It’s easy to forget if you’ve already purchased this cover, so now is a good time to review.
The importance of advice
According to the YouGov research, a third of those who purchased their home insurance through a price comparison site in the last year are unclear what their policy covers. This highlights the importance of seeking advice when insuring your home and personal belongings. You don’t have to navigate the small print alone - we will clearly explain the policy terms, so you know exactly when you are, and aren’t, insured.
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Sources:
https://protectionreporter.co.uk/tis-the-season-to-flag-home-protection-gaps.html
26 March 2026
The winters are getting colder and stormier, so it’s important to take appropriate steps to protect your home. Here are some top tips. Review your insurance The most important step you can take is to get adequate cover. According to the ABI, in 2024 UK insurers paid out a record £585m for weather-related damage to homes and possessions. This shows that an increasing number of homeowners are relying on their insurance policy to protect them in extreme weather. Watch out for storm hazards If a storm is coming, make sure to safely store any loose objects, such as garden furniture and trampolines. Fences and gates are not always insured against storm damage, so make sure they are secured too. Consider flood risks You can check online if your home is at risk of flooding. There are helplines you can contact during flood emergencies, such as Floodline. If heavy rainfall is on the way, check your gutter - if your drainpipes are clogged, this could cause a leak. Check your boiler Boiler breakdowns can occur during cold snaps and the cost of repair is not always included in standard home insurance policies. To avoid getting caught out, it’s important to get your boiler serviced annually, or you can purchase additional cover. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/2/more-action-needed-to-protect-properties-as-adverse-weather-takes-record-toll-on-insurance-claims-in-2024/
Last year saw significant housing reforms for renters and homebuyers – here’s a recap of what you need to know. Change to renters’ rights The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in October 2025 and will come into force in three phrases this year. The initial phase of the rollout in May will include the much-awaited end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in England. Plus, all fixed term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic tenancies. Scotland rent controls Scotland has also seen reforms for renters. Local authorities will be able to designate Rent Control Areas, where there will be a cap on how much landlords can raise rent. Plus, councils will be required to act sooner to prevent homelessness. Stamp Duty changes In April 2025, Stamp Duty thresholds reverted to their higher level in England and Northern Ireland. First-time buyers now have to pay the tax on homes above £300,000 and other buyers will be charged on properties over £125,000. Reforms in Wales Legislation is underway to improve the safety of tall buildings and houses in multiple occupation. Also, the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill plans to improve access to housing support. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/what-2025-housing-reforms-mean-for-renters-and-homebuyers-across-the-uk.html
End of year statistics for 2025 offer some reasons to be optimistic about the housing market. According to Zoopla, house sales for 2025 hit 1.2 million, the highest level for three years. First-time buyers showed growing confidence as they accounted for 39% of transactions last year. Meanwhile, house prices lagged last year, with the average house valued at £270,300 at the end of 2025. This is up 1.1% on the previous year but is lower than the 10-year average of 3.8% growth. Zoopla expects prices to rise by 1.5% in 2026 while Rightmove’s outlook is more positive, at 2%. Richard Donnell as Zoopla commented, “We expect a stronger 2026 as buyers return to the market, with more homes for sale.” Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/house-sales-hit-three-year-high-says-zoopla/
Do you know what your belongings are really worth? It can be easy to underestimate their value, which could leave you underinsured. Home contents insurance protects your possessions and furniture against theft, fire and other unfortunate events. When taking out cover, you are usually asked to estimate how much it would cost to replace all the contents in your home. But when was the last time you took stock and assessed this? If you’ve recently bought new gadgets or received an expensive Christmas gift, you may need a higher level of cover. Equally, if you have sold some items, you may be paying for more cover than you now need. A professional adviser can help ensure you have taken into account all your belongings. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Recent tax changes have prompted some to reevaluate their reliance on pensions for wealth planning. Amidst this uncertainty, life insurance could provide some peace of mind for those looking to protect their family’s future. Salary sacrifice changes In the Autumn Budget 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to salary sacrifice for pensions from April 2029. Currently, an employee can agree with their employer to give up part of their salary and, in return, their employer will pay the same amount into their pension. At the moment, this employer pension contribution is exempt from National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for both the employer and the employee. Salary sacrifice has therefore often been seen as a reliable way to reduce tax liabilities while boosting retirement savings. However, from 6 April 2029, NICs will apply on contributions above £2,000 per year. Unused pension funds As part of the Autumn Budget 2024, it was announced that most unused pension funds will fall within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. This measure was introduced because the government identified that many savers were using their pension pot to transfer wealth instead of funding their retirement. The changes will come into effect on 6 April 2027, so those who had incorporated their unused pension funds into their tax planning are likely to be reconsidering their options. Benefits of life insurance The above tax measures have highlighted the precarity of using pensions for intergenerational planning. Some families may therefore be turning to life insurance to offer some certainty. Life insurance provides financial support to your loved ones when you die. You can choose the level of cover you need based on a range of factors including your dependents, salary, mortgage and other bills. Writing your life insurance policy in trust ensures that the payout is not considered as part of your estate, so it is not subject to IHT. Claims can be paid before probate is granted, enabling your beneficiaries to access the money swiftly. It is therefore a crucial way of safeguarding your family’s future. Time to revisit your protection requirements? We can help you source a life insurance policy that is tailored to your specific needs and family circumstances. There are a range of trusts to choose from, and we can advise on the most appropriate option, ensuring your cover remains effective, tax-efficient and aligned with your wider financial plan. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.ftadviser.com/content/a724d36a-6636-4b53-bcd2-5d354ef62fac
Do you know the difference between life insurance and income protection? Life insurance Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your loved ones if you die during the policy term. You could either be covered for a fixed length of time (such as 10 or 25 years), or for the whole of your life. It’s sensible to get cover if you have any dependents because life insurance could help them to stay living in your home if you pass away. Income protection Income protection provides a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. The insurer will make monthly payments to you until either the term ends, you die or return to work. There will usually be a waiting period before you can start receiving payments. Income protection is recommended if you would struggle to cover essential living expenses if you were unable to work - for example, if you are self-employed, have limited savings or are the sole earner in your household. Do I need both? Income protection provides you with support during your lifetime, while life insurance safeguards your family in the event of your death. Both policies can offer peace of mind that you and your loved ones will be protected in times of need. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/definitions/life-insurance-vs-income-protection/
If you’re self-employed, appropriate protection should be top of your list. There are many benefits to being your own boss, however it does comes with some financial risks. Have you considered what would happen if you were unable to work unexpectedly? Without the safety net of statutory sick pay, you could find yourself in a vulnerable financial position. You might lose your income but still have business costs to pay for, such as rent and equipment. It’s therefore essential to safeguard yourself and your business by getting the right cover. We can advise on the most suitable policies for you, which may include critical illness cover, income protection and other insurance. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Research suggests that landlords may be forced to raise rents to account for tax hikes announced in the Autumn Budget. From April 2027, landlords will face a 2% tax increase on their rental income - the basic rate of property income tax will rise from 20% to 22%, while the higher rate will increase from 40% to 42%. Those paying the additional rate will pay 47%. In a survey of landlords, 86% said they expected the measures to push rents higher. But the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect in May 2026 – from then, landlords will only be able to raise rents once a year. Ryan Etchells at Together commented, “this will inevitably result in higher rents from next year onwards, and if landlords can’t make their portfolios work for them they could be forced to sell-up altogether.” Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/nine-in-10-fear-2-tax-hike-on-landlords-will-push-rents-higher-together/
According to recent research, a quarter of Brits are letting their home insurance renew automatically. Of the 25% people who allow their cover to auto-renew, 17% said that they do it without checking if better quotes are available. 8% said that, by the time they remember to shop around, it’s too late as their insurance has already renewed. Men (28%) are more likely than women (21%) to let their policy auto-renew. Meanwhile, 35% of those aged between 25 and 34 admitted to letting their home insurance roll over. Although it may seem like the easier route, letting your insurance auto-renew means you could be missing out on better deals. And If your needs have changed, you may require a higher or lower level of cover. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://press.gocompare.com/news/a-quarter-of-brits-admit-to-letting-their-home-insurance-renew-automatically
Hoping to move or remortgage this year? Here’s how to get mortgage-ready in 2026. Review your finances Now that the busy festive period is over, why not take this opportunity to organise your finances. Go through your bank statements and identify where you can reduce your spending – not only will this help you save for a deposit, but it will make your mortgage application stronger in the eyes of a lender. Set savings goals There are many hidden costs associated with moving, including conveyancing fees, removal vans, stamp duty and surveys. Considering these additional costs now will help you plan realistically and start saving accordingly. Check your credit score Most lenders use one of three main credit reference agencies to check your credit report – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can check your score for free now, giving you time to make any necessary improvements before applying. Consult a mortgage broker Seeking professional advice early can make sure you’re well prepared for the mortgage process. It can help you set a realistic budget and gives you an opportunity to strengthen your application. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay and early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
New research shows that a quarter of consumers are not confident in their family’s financial resilience. A survey by The Exeter has found that nearly a quarter (23%) of UK adults are unsure if their family would manage financially if they unexpectedly died. Just over a third (35%) think that their family could cope temporarily, while only 22% are certain that their loved ones would be fully protected if the worst happened. Age and gender differences The research highlighted a gap in confidence between the genders, with men significantly more confident (67%) about their family’s financial resilience than women (49%). There is a clear generational difference too - those aged 45-54 are the least assured, with a third of this age group unsure about their family’s financial security. This could reflect the increasing pressure felt by the ‘sandwich generation’ – middle-aged adults caring for both their children and their ageing parents. Boost your confidence How confident do you feel about your family’s financial resilience? With the right cover in place, you can feel certain that your loved ones would have the support they need if you were no longer there to support them. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.the-exeter.com/news/just-one-in-five-uk-adults-very-confident-their-family-would-be-financially-secure-if-the-unexpected-happened/
Recent research suggests that many UK adults would prefer to seek professional advice when buying home insurance instead of navigating the process alone. In a survey conducted by YouGov, nearly half (47%) of respondents said they would want to seek guidance when choosing a home insurance policy. Meanwhile, only 15% did not have any interest in accessing professional advice. This suggests that, on balance, there is a desire to be informed and supported when protecting what’s important. Why seek advice? According to the report, having peace of mind is the primary motivator behind seeking advice, with 35% of UK adults saying this was important to them. Meanwhile, 28% believed that speaking to an adviser would help them find a policy better tailored to their needs. This is understandable as exclusions, limits and optional extras can easily be overlooked without expert advice. The prevalence of ‘cover anxiety’ The survey indicated growing anxiety around purchasing insurance online, with nearly a quarter (24%) expressing doubts about sourcing a policy in this way. Interestingly, this anxiety was even higher (33%) among those who had used a price comparison site within the last year. This so-called ‘cover anxiety’ becomes more prevalent among parents – 42% of households with three or more children weren’t sure if their cover was right for them. This suggests that busy parents may be more likely to make a quick decision without properly consulting the policy details, potentially leaving gaps in their cover. Advice pays off It is encouraging to see that many UK adults seem to recognise the value of advice. Over half (56%) of respondents said they would be willing to pay more to ensure that their policy genuinely meets their needs. Expert opinion Louise Pengelly, proposition director at Paymentshield, commented on the findings: “Peace of mind is worth a lot and for many consumers, it’s valued more highly than the cost of the policy itself, as long as they can trust it will protect them when needed.” She added, “What’s especially encouraging is the number of people who say they want advice. This research shows there’s a large, receptive audience ready to engage with advisers, and it clearly challenges the idea that clients aren’t interested in talking about insurance.” Get in touch Inspired to seek advice? You don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone. We can help source cover that works for you and your budget. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/peace-of-mind-driving-demand-for-guidance-when-buying-home-insurance.html
