Login Menu

Block of Flats Insurance

Cheap Block of Flats Insurance Quote

  • Quotes from UK insurance providers
  • One short form – save time & money
  • 97% of customers recommend us

Policies and deals from industry leading insurance providers, including

Adrian Flux
Coversure Insurance Services
Advance Insurance
Peacock Insurance Services
Think Insurance
Apricot Insurance
GSI Insurance
CIA Insurance
RightSure
One Call Insurance
Gallagher Insurance
Nova Insurance
Howden
CIA Insurance
Lifestyle Insurance Brokers
Compare Insurance
Edison Ives Insurance
Insurance Revolution
Swinton Insurance
Swinton
Orwell Insurance Services
Got You Covered
Aldium Insurance
Taveo
Gauntlet Group
Konsileo
Cover4LetProperty
Addison Bradley
Howden
Howden
Taurus Risk Management
Amica Insurance
Java Insurance
Complete Insurance

Block of Flats Insurance

What is building insurance for a block of flats?

This is a unique property insurance that covers buildings that contain multiple residential units. Policies offer coverage for apartment blocks and converted houses with several flats. It usually covers the entire building, and not just the individual flats. Ownership of these properties can be varied. Block of flats insurance can be arranged by a freeholder, a landlord, a management company or sometimes a group of leaseholders. 

What does block of flats insurance cover?

Policies can vary in what they include and exclude. However, this insurance typically provides wide coverage for a building divided into multiple residential units.

Building insurance

Communal areas

External features

Internal fixtures and fittings

Property liability

Loss of rent

Alternative accommodation

Legal expenses

Accidental damage

Malicious damage and theft

Freeholder vs. leaseholder insurance responsibilities

Freeholders

A freeholder is responsible for managing and insuring the building and any communal areas. Building insurance for flats freeholders covers the main structure and communal areas of the property. Typically, the freeholder pays the policy and charges leaseholders for their share.

Leaseholders

A leaseholder is responsible for maintaining their own flat and paying their share of the building’s insurance costs. Building insurance on leasehold flats usually protects the structure of the building, while leaseholders need separate contents insurance to cover their personal belongings.

How does landlord flat insurance work?

Simply put, flat insurance for landlords streamlines protection for multi-unit buildings. It would be complicated to insure each unit individually. This type of coverage keeps things fair and simple. It ensures all shared risks and responsibilities are managed under a single policy, while the costs and benefits are distributed among the owners or leaseholders.

What impacts the cost of freehold flat insurance?

Location of the building

Properties in high-crime or flood-risk areas typically cost more to insure.

Age and condition of the building

Older buildings usually have more issues, making them more expensive to insure. However, a well-maintained building might cost less.

Size of the building and number of flats

Larger buildings with more flats cost more because of the potentially higher claim costs.

Construction materials

Some materials can cause a building to be more vulnerable to fires and have a shorter lifespan.

Security measures

Buildings and flats with more security features, like locks and cameras, could qualify for cheaper insurance.

Level of cover and optional extras chosen

Comprehensive cover will cost more than liability insurance only. The level of cover you’ve chosen, as well as the add-ons, will impact the cost.

Rebuild value

This is different from the market value. Insurers use this to help determine their risk.

Occupancy and tenancy types

Short-term rentals or student accommodation will typically attract higher premiums. That’s due to the perceived higher risk.

Communal facilities

Things like lifts, gyms, and swimming pools are all included in the risk calculation. The more facilities a building has, the higher the insurance costs will likely be.

Excess amount

Opting for a higher excess amount can reduce premiums. However, it will cost you more should you claim, so make sure you can afford it.

Landlord flat insurance FAQs

What does buildings insurance cover in a block of flats?

Buildings insurance covers a wide range of risks associated with multiple residences in a shared building. It typically includes cover for the structure of the building and shared spaces. It does not cover personal contents or belongings of individual flat owners. For this, they’ll need separate contents insurance.

Do I need this if I own one flat?

No. You don’t normally have to take out block of flats building insurance if you own one flat in a building. This is usually done by the freeholder or a property management company. You will typically pay towards the cost of insurance through your service charge or ground rent.

How can I find the cheapest block of flats insurance quote?

If you’re responsible for the insurance of a block of flats and want to keep costs down, here are a few tips:

  • Compare multiple quotes, as this increases your odds of finding cheaper deals.
  • Optimise your policy choices by only taking out the cover you need.
  • Paying annually instead of monthly can also work out cheaper, as well as increasing the security of the building.
  • Ask your insurance provider if they offer any discounts. They might accommodate your request, especially if you have a claims-free history.

Is this insurance a legal requirement?

No. You are not legally required to insure a block of flats in the UK. However, it may well be a requirement for mortgages and lease agreements. Considering the risks of running a large building, it’s probably a good idea to have it in place regardless.

Can I get coverage for accidental damage or loss of rent?

Yes, you will usually have the option to include accidental damage or loss of rent in your policy. This coverage may not be included in your core policy, which means you’ll need to include it as an add-on.

How do I make a claim on my insurance for multiple flats?

If you need to make a claim on this type of insurance, here are the typical steps:

  1. Assess the situation and gather information. This includes photos and videos of the damage, and witness statements if possible.
  2. If there was a theft, a police reference number will also be needed.
  3. Have your policy number ready to start the claim.
  4. Inform your insurance provider as soon as possible and fill out your claims form. Your insurer will take it from there. Typically, they’ll investigate your claim and assess the damages.
  5. Once your claim has been approved, repairs or replacements will begin. Your insurer will pay for this according to the terms of your policy.

What people have to say about us

Satisfied and brilliant when serving customers.and very good company.

Anonymous

“”

Brilliant to use and fair prices! best I’ve used to date and helped a few relatives with car insurance too.

Fiona

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Read All Reviews

4.73/5 from 3450 customer reviews

Related Insurance