What’s Covered

Buildings insurance protects the physical structure of your home and any permanent fixtures. A comprehensive policy will usually cover:

  • The main elements of your home, including roof, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors
  • Fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, built-in wardrobes, and other permanent fixtures
  • Outbuildings such as garages, greenhouses, and sheds
  • External features like gates, fences, and paths (coverage varies by provider)
  • Damage caused by fire, storms, flooding, subsidence, vandalism, theft, lightning, gas explosions, and impact from vehicles or falling trees
  • Demolition and site clearance costs following an insured event
  • Architects’ and surveyors’ fees for rebuilds
  • Temporary accommodation costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to damage

In most cases, your policy should cover the full cost of rebuilding your home, not its market value. This is a key difference and something we’ll explain clearly when helping you choose a policy.

If you’re buying a leasehold property, buildings insurance may already be included in your service charge. For freehold homes, arranging your own policy will likely be your responsibility, and it must be in place by the time you exchange contracts.

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Mortgage Requirement

When securing a mortgage, lenders require that buildings insurance is in place before contracts are exchanged. This ensures that the property, which acts as security for the loan, is adequately protected from the start.

Buildings insurance is a formal condition of all mortgage agreements. Cover must begin from the date of exchange, not completion, because that’s the point at which you become legally responsible for the property. If something were to happen between exchange and moving in, you’d be liable for repair costs unless cover is active.

For mortgage applicants, this is a non-negotiable requirement. Yet many don’t realise they can shop around. You’re free to compare providers or consult a buildings insurance broker like Zing Mortgages to find a policy that’s suited to both your mortgage terms and personal needs.

Whether you’re remortgaging or buying your first home, the policy you choose must align with your lender’s expectations, especially in terms of cover limits and exclusions. We’ll make sure you’re protected from all sides.

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Why Choose Zing Mortgages

Tailored Advice
We provide one-to-one guidance based on your mortgage type, property, and personal circumstances. Our team is experienced in arranging cover that satisfies lender criteria while meeting your own requirements too.

Independent Access
Zing Mortgages works with a panel of providers, not just one insurer. This gives us the flexibility to compare policies and recommend options that offer the most suitable balance of cover and value.

Lender & Solicitor Liaison
We coordinate with estate agents, lenders, and solicitors to make sure your insurance paperwork is in place when needed. No last-minute surprises, no delays.

Convenient Consultations
Most of our clients choose to meet via Zoom, but we also offer phone calls and in-person appointments. Whatever suits you, we’ll make it work.

Ongoing Protection Support
Once your mortgage completes, we’re still here. From adding extra cover to advising on policy renewals, we provide long-term support, not just a quick fix.

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Get the Right Cover with Zing Mortgages

Buildings insurance is your safety net against unexpected events that could compromise your home and your finances. At Zing Mortgages, we take the guessing out of selecting the right policy and ensure everything aligns with your mortgage terms.

Whether you’re buying a new home or remortgaging an existing property, our team is here to support you from start to finish. For trusted advice and reliable protection, speak to our buildings insurance brokers today.

Call us on 03332 414 113 or request a quote online.

Is buildings insurance mandatory when taking out a mortgage?

Yes. All mortgage lenders insist on buildings insurance being in place by the date of exchange. This ensures the property is protected from structural damage during and after the purchase process.

How much building insurance do I need for my mortgage?

You’ll need to cover the full rebuild cost of your home, not its market value. This figure is usually detailed in your mortgage valuation or provided by your surveyor.

When should I start my buildings insurance coverage when buying a house?

Your buildings insurance should begin from the exchange of contracts, as that’s when you become legally responsible for the property, even if you haven’t moved in yet.

How does buildings insurance differ for leasehold properties?

In leasehold properties, the freeholder typically arranges buildings insurance for the entire building. The cost is often included in your service or maintenance charge. As a leaseholder, you’re usually only responsible for contents insurance.

Beside you all the way

At Zing, we’re here to help you throughout your mortgage application. From your first enquiry through to completion - we’re here to make the whole process easier for you.

What our clients say

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