Building Cover topics

If you have buildings insurance cover with Intelligent Insurance, your patio and walls are automatically included. Here’s a breakdown of the coverage: Permanent Fixtures Coverage These are considered permanent fixtures and are covered under your buildings insurance. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that damages to these essential elements of your property are included in your policy. Contents in the Open Coverage Items that can be moved around, such as garden furniture or plant pots, fall under the category of contents in the open. The coverage for these items can vary by underwriter, with protection extending up to £1,000. Summary Understanding the distinction between permanent fixtures and contents in the open ensures that your coverage aligns with the specific components of your property. Intelligent Insurance provides comprehensive solutions to safeguard both your property’s structure and its movable contents in outdoor spaces.

Key points: Market value is the price your home would fetch if you sold it today, it’s driven by land value, location, demand and overall condition. Rebuild cost is what it would cost to demolish what’s left, clear the site and rebuild the property to the same specification. Rebuild cost usually sits below the market value (though it can exceed it for listed or remote properties). Insurers base buildings cover on the rebuild cost, not the market value, get this wrong and you risk being under‑insured. Market value explained The market value is the figure a buyer is willing to pay on the open market at a given point in time. Land value, local amenities, school catchments and supply‑and‑demand trends all feed into it. Rebuild (reinstatement) cost explained Rebuild cost includes: Demolition and debris removal Site clearance and preparation Materials and labour to rebuild the structure like‑for‑like Professional fees for architects, surveyors and building regs approval Because it looks purely at reconstruction, it ignores land value and broader market sentiment. Why the difference matters for insurance Buildings insurance pays out on the rebuild cost, so that’s the figure to insure for. Over‑insuring wastes premium; under‑insuring could leave you thousands short in a claim. Use the free RICS BCIS rebuild calculator or commission a chartered surveyor if you’re unsure. Need more detail? See How do I work out my rebuild cost?.

What’s included as standard? Up to £1,000,000 for loss or damage to the structure of your home. Loss of rent or alternative accommodation costs if your property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event. Property owners’ liability cover. Trace & Access: locate and repair the source of water leaks and make good afterwards. Enhance your cover Add Accidental Damage Cover. Increase limits or make changes in Manage My Policy or chat to an advisor via live chat. Need guidance on choosing the right level of protection? Our insurance advisors are here to help.