🏠 Do You Need House Insurance When Buying a Property?
When you’re buying a home, house insurance might not be the first thing on your mind—but it’s an essential step in protecting your investment. At David Clarke Estate Agents, we always advise our clients across Herne Bay and Whitstable to ensure their new property is adequately insured from the moment contracts are exchanged.
There are two main types of house insurance:
- Buildings insurance – Covers the structure of your home, including walls, roof, windows, and permanent fixtures like fitted kitchens and bathrooms.
- Contents insurance – Covers the items inside your home such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables.
If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender will usually require you to have buildings insurance in place from the date of exchange—not completion. This is because you become legally responsible for the property at that point. If something happens between exchange and completion, you could face huge costs without cover.
Contents insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Think about the cost of replacing your belongings in the event of a fire, flood, or burglary. Many insurers offer combined policies that cover both buildings and contents for convenience and savings.
When shopping for insurance, compare not only the price but also the coverage. Look at exclusions, excess amounts, and whether the policy includes accidental damage, legal expenses, or alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Tip: Some providers offer reduced rates if you install a burglar alarm, maintain good locks on windows and doors, or bundle your cover with other insurance types.
At David Clarke Estate Agents, we regularly help clients understand their obligations and connect them with trusted local insurance providers. If you’re unsure what level of cover you need—or when to arrange it—our estate agents in Herne Bay and estate agents in Whitstable are always here to help.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure you have the right protection in place as part of your home buying journey. It’s one more step towards peace of mind in your new property.