What contents insurance covers
Contents insurance covers your possessions — furniture, electronics, clothing, valuables — against risks like theft, fire and flood. The best policy matches the cover to what you actually own and how you live, with the right add-ons and an accurate sum insured.
1. Standard contents insurance
Covers belongings at home against named perils. Best for most households — make sure the sum insured reflects the true replacement cost of everything you own (people routinely underestimate).
2. New-for-old cover
Replaces damaged or stolen items with new equivalents rather than paying a depreciated value. Best for most people — far better than "indemnity" cover that deducts for wear and tear.
3. Accidental damage cover
Covers mishaps like spills on a sofa or a foot through a TV. Best for families, households with children or pets, or anyone wanting fuller protection beyond named perils.
4. High-value and specified items
Jewellery, watches, art and gadgets above the single-item limit need to be specified individually. Best for those owning valuables — without specifying them, a claim may be capped.
5. Away-from-home / personal possessions cover
Covers items you take out — phones, laptops, bikes, jewellery — against loss or theft outside the home. Best for those who carry valuables or want their gadgets covered everywhere.
How to choose the right cover
- Set an accurate sum insured (total replacement cost of everything)
- Choose new-for-old, not indemnity
- Add accidental damage if you have children or pets
- Specify high-value items above the single-item limit
- Add personal possessions cover for items you carry
How to find the best contents insurance
A specialist can match cover to your possessions and lifestyle at the best price, ensuring you're not under- or over-insured. Find a home insurance specialist through Nesto — free, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How much contents cover do I need?
Enough to replace everything you own — total it room by room. Underinsurance is common and can reduce payouts.
What's new-for-old cover?
It replaces items with new equivalents rather than paying a depreciated value — almost always worth choosing over indemnity cover.
Do I need accidental damage cover?
It's worth it for households with children or pets, or anyone wanting protection beyond standard named perils like theft and fire.
How do I cover valuables?
Specify high-value items individually if they exceed the policy's single-item limit, or a claim may be capped below their worth.
Are my belongings covered outside the home?
Only with personal possessions / away-from-home cover, which protects items you carry like phones, laptops and jewellery.