Blocks of Flats Insurance

The cost of Block of Flats Insurance depends on several key factors, including the size and age of the building, the rebuild cost, location, number of flats, claims history and the level of cover required. Because every property is different, there isn’t a fixed price, so how much it costs to insure a block of flats will vary from one development to another.

Other factors, such as whether the building has any unusual construction materials, additional facilities (such as lifts or communal areas), or specific risks that need to be covered, can also influence the premium. The best way to ensure you’re getting the right level of protection at a competitive price is to obtain a tailored quotation.

Want to lower your premium? Read our guide on 7 ways to reduce your block of flats insurance premiums.

Insurance in a block of flats is usually arranged by the freeholder, landlord or management company on behalf of the entire building. The cost is often recovered through the service charge paid by leaseholders, though this can vary depending on the lease terms. The policy is designed to protect the building itself, rather than the belongings of individual residents.

A typical Block of Flats Insurance policy covers the building’s structure against risks such as fire, flood, storm damage, and escape of water, along with communal areas and any shared facilities included in the policy.

Leaseholders and tenants should arrange their own contents insurance to protect personal belongings, while leaseholders may also wish to consider additional cover, such as home emergency, accidental damage or legal expenses, depending on their individual needs.

To help, we’ve produced a series of guides covering common questions about block of flats insurance, including who is responsible for buildings insurance for a block of flats.

Buildings insurance for a block of flats typically covers the structure of the building against insured risks such as fire, flood, storm damage, burst pipes & water leaks, vandalism and impact damage. It also usually includes permanent fixtures and fittings, such as fitted kitchens, bathrooms and built-in wardrobes, as well as communal areas, hallways, staircases and other shared parts of the property where applicable.

Depending on the policy, cover may also extend to property owners’ liability, alternative accommodation or loss of rent following an insured event, and other covers specific to the needs of the building. Buildings insurance does not cover residents’ personal belongings or household contents inside individual flats, so leaseholders and tenants should arrange separate contents insurance if they wish to protect these items.

While we don’t offer a Block of Flats Insurance calculator, our Quick Quote Indicator provides an initial price indication based on key details about your property. It’s a simple way to get an estimate before speaking to one of our specialists.

For a more accurate quotation, we’ll take into account factors such as the property’s rebuild cost, location, number of flats, claims history and the level of cover required. This allows us to provide a tailored quotation that reflects your building’s individual circumstances.

Yes, in most cases individual flat owners should arrange their own contents insurance, even if the building is covered under a Block of Flats Insurance policy. Buildings insurance protects the structure of the property and any communal areas, but it does not usually cover personal belongings within individual flats.

Depending on the terms of the lease, leaseholders may also wish to consider cover for items such as contents, accidental damage, personal possessions and legal expenses. Tenants should also arrange their own contents insurance to protect their belongings.

Normally the landlord would pay for the insurance, but this is an agreement made between the landlord and the tenant.

Your block of flats should be insured for its full rebuild cost, rather than its market value. The rebuild cost is the amount it would cost to demolish and rebuild the property following a total loss, including materials, labour, professional fees and debris removal.

Insuring your building for the correct rebuild value helps reduce the risk of underinsurance, which could result in a reduced claims settlement. If you’re unsure of the rebuild cost, a professional Rebuild Cost Assessment can help ensure your building is adequately insured.

To help, we offer assessment services through RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com. Find out more about our service here.

Insurers recommend a block should be surveyed for valuation purposes every 3-5 years.

If your block of flats suffers damage caused by an insured event, such as a fire, flood or escape of water, the policyholder or managing agent should notify the insurance provider as soon as possible. The insurer will assess the claim and may appoint a loss adjuster to inspect the damage before agreeing the repairs or settlement.

Providing clear information, photographs and supporting documentation can help the claims process run more smoothly. Keeping your insurer informed throughout the claim will also help ensure repairs can be completed as quickly as possible.

No, however it may be a requirement of a mortgage to have the property insured. In addition to this, insurance policies of this type cover your legal liabilities and there is legislation in place, which puts specific requirements on the flat owners.

If the property is uninhabitable due to an insured event i.e. fire, the loss of rent section will compensate the landlord for rent they are unable to collect whilst the damage is repaired.

This would cover intentional damage by a tenant to the fabric of the building and/or it’s fixtures or fittings (excluding contents). For example, a tenant maliciously damages a fixed hob or a door.

Yes, however, always check with us first as cover can be restricted.

Yes, we can offer cover for this. Details of the work and the duration would need to be provided and cover would normally be restricted whilst the work is in place.

We can insure multiple blocks of flats under one contract.

Yes, escape of water and ingress of water would be covered under our contracts as standard.

With our panel of insurers we can offer a range of excesses. The higher the excess, the lower the premium.