Landlord Insurance vs Home Insurance – What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions new landlords ask is: Do I really need landlord insurance if I already have home insurance?
Comparison · 22 July 2025 · 4 min read
One of the most common questions new landlords ask is: "Do I really need landlord insurance if I already have home insurance?" The answer often depends on how you use the property.
Standard Home Insurance
Home insurance (sometimes called home and contents insurance) is designed for properties where the policyholder lives in the home. It usually covers risks like fire, flood, theft and accidental damage.
However, most home insurance policies will not cover situations where the property is rented out to tenants. If you let a property with only standard home insurance in place, you may find a claim is declined.
Landlord Insurance
Landlord insurance UK policies are specifically built for rental properties. They usually include:
- Landlord buildings insurance – protection for the structure of the home.
- Property owners' liability insurance – cover in case a tenant or visitor makes a claim for injury or damage.
- Optional covers – such as rent guarantee or contents insurance for furnished properties.
Why the Difference Matters
Insurance providers assess risks differently for tenants compared to homeowners. For example, tenants may cause damage accidentally or fail to report maintenance issues quickly. Landlord insurance is priced and designed with these risks in mind.
Which One Do You Need?
- If you live in the property – standard home insurance may be suitable.
- If you rent it out to tenants – landlord insurance is usually the appropriate cover.
Next Steps
When comparing landlord house insurance, it's a good idea to check exactly what is and isn't included in the policy. Different insurers may offer different levels of cover.
If you already hold a standard home policy on a property you now let out, our page on home insurance for let properties explains how insurers treat that situation.
You can compare landlord insurance quotes today at landlordquote.co.uk and find cover suited to your property.
Beyond Leads Ltd T/A Landlord Quote (FCA FRN 940006) is an FCA authorised lead generation business. We do not provide insurance advice, recommend policies, arrange cover or quote premiums. This page is general information only. If your enquiry is matched, your details are shared with an FCA authorised specialist broker who will discuss cover and pricing with you directly.