Remortgage Reminder
Santander UKRecorded a lower monthly payment than the renewal quote.
Confirmed monthly saving
£100/month
Recorded by an Onremind user
What to check before your home insurance renews
Buildings and contents policies usually run for 12 months and auto-renew unless you act. The most useful pre-renewal step is to check the sums insured still match the home as it is today.
Why this matters
FCA renewal disclosure rules require insurers to show this year's premium alongside last year's on the renewal notice. Read both lines side by side, not just the new figure.
The most common cause of an unpaid claim is not the price line — it is a sum insured that no longer matches the property or its contents. Walk through the home once a year, not just the price.
What to check before your home insurance renews
Rebuild value (buildings)
The rebuild value is what it would cost to reconstruct the property, not its market value. Check whether the renewal carries the same figure and whether any extensions, conversions or outbuildings have changed it.
Contents value
Walk through the home room by room and estimate replacement cost. Major changes such as new flooring, electronics, bikes or jewellery can push the figure outside the policy limit.
Excess (compulsory and voluntary)
Check the excess that applies for each claim type, including any separate subsidence or escape-of-water excess.
Exclusions and conditions
Look at unoccupancy limits, security requirements (locks, alarms), and any specific peril exclusions noted in the renewal documents.
Optional add-ons
Review add-ons such as accidental damage, home emergency, legal expenses and personal possessions cover away from home. Decide whether each is still needed.
Renewal price vs last year
FCA renewal rules require insurers to show this year's premium alongside last year's. Read both lines side by side rather than just the new figure.
Timing window
When to act
A two-to-four-week window before the renewal date is usually enough to query the renewal price and update sums insured. Leaving the conversation until renewal day risks a rushed decision.
Sources
- FCA — General insurance pricing practices (PS21/5).
- ABI — Household Insurance Premium Tracker, quarterly release.
- Citizens Advice — Buildings and contents insurance.
Recorded outcomes
Real outcomes from Onremind users.
These figures come from outcomes people have recorded in Onremind.