While you want to ensure your policy offers the level of cover you need, you also want to be confident that you will get good customer service and the claims process will be stress-free.
In addition to product ratings, Fairer Finance also offers overall customer experience ratings for home insurance, based on aspects such as transparency, complaints and trust.
At the top of the pile was Ecclesiastical, with an overall score of 83pc.
The only other five-star rated home insurance provider to appear in the customer experience top 10 was Bank of Scotland, with a score of 70pc.
Tips to get the best home insurance for you
Don’t auto renew
Shop around for your home insurance each year rather than renewing with your existing provider. But, don’t just focus on price, the cheapest policy may not offer the level of cover you need. Compare each element of the policies you are considering to ensure you are getting the best value for money.
Use several comparison sites
Try a couple of different comparison sites as not all insurers will be on every one. Also note that Direct Line doesn’t appear on any insurance comparison sites.
Plan ahead
The cheapest time to buy insurance is around 27 days before you need to renew, according to analysis from Go Compare.
Consider a specialist broker
If you live in an unusual or historic property and are struggling to find affordable cover with a mainstream insurer, it’s worth talking to a specialist broker. Contact the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) for help.
Get flooding help
If you live in a high-flood risk area and are worried about insuring your home, BIBA and the ABI offer a flood insurance directory for guidance.
Check provider ratings
Before choosing any home insurance policy, it’s worth looking at product and customer service ratings from companies including Fairer Finance and Defaqto.
Consider combined policies
It’s usually cheaper to buy building and contents insurance combined, with the same provider. You might also be able to make further savings by using the same company to insure your home and car, with multi-product discounts.
Price in valuable possessions
Think about your most valuable possessions – from musical instruments to jewellery, watches and computers – and ensure they will be covered. Also consider whether they need to be insured away from home, too.
Calculate values carefully
Calculate your rebuild insurance costs and the value of your possessions carefully. You don’t want to pay for cover you don’t need but equally you don’t want to be out of pocket if you need to claim. Free online calculators can help.
Pay annually
Pay for your insurance annually if you can – paying for insurance monthly might help you budget but you’ll normally be charged interest to spread the cost.
Opt for higher excess – if you can afford it
By agreeing to a higher voluntary excess – the amount that you agree to pay towards a claim – you should be able to reduce the cost of your home insurance. However, only do this if you’ll realistically be able to pay the excess in the event of needing to make a claim.
Invest in home security
Things like new locks, alarm systems or security lights can sometimes reduce the cost of your home insurance. However, it’s always worth talking to your provider before you shell out to ensure the steps you’re taking will actually trim your bill.
