Buying a home comes with many costs, and insurance is one of them. This often leads people to ask whether house insurance is required before getting a mortgage.
In most cases, you cannot complete a mortgage without buildings insurance in place. Lenders need to protect the property they are lending against. However, not all types of insurance are required, and some can be optional.
This guide explains what insurance you need with a mortgage, when it must start, and which types are your choice.
What insurance do you need with your mortgage?
There are several types of insurance linked to buying a home. Some protect the property itself. Others protect you or your income.
Mortgage lenders mainly focus on insurance that protects the building. Other cover types may be recommended but are not always required.
The main types of insurance to consider are:
- Buildings insurance
- Contents insurance
- Life insurance
- Critical illness cover
- Income protection
Each type serves a different purpose, and not all are needed to get a mortgage.
Do you need buildings insurance with your mortgage?
In most cases, yes. Lenders usually require buildings insurance before your mortgage completes.
Buildings insurance protects the structure of the property. This includes the walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures. If the property is damaged by fire, flood, or storm, buildings insurance helps cover the cost of repairs.
From a lender’s point of view, the property is security for the loan. If it is damaged and not insured, the lender is at risk.
You usually need to show proof of buildings insurance before completion. You can learn more about what buildings insurance covers in our glossary.
Do you need contents insurance with your mortgage?
No. Contents insurance is not required to get a mortgage.
Contents insurance covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. It protects items inside the home, not the building itself.
While contents insurance is optional, many people choose to have it. It can help protect your belongings from theft, fire, or damage.
Lenders do not usually ask for proof of contents insurance.
Do you need life insurance for a mortgage?
Life insurance is not required by most mortgage lenders.
Life insurance pays out if you pass away during the policy term. Some people use it to help repay the mortgage or support family members.
Although it is not mandatory, life insurance is often recommended, especially if you are buying with a partner or have dependants.
If you want to understand this in more detail, you can read more about life insurance for a mortgage and when it may be useful.
Do you need critical illness cover for a mortgage?
Critical illness cover is also optional.
This type of insurance pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy. It can help with living costs or mortgage payments if you are unable to work.
Lenders do not usually require critical illness cover. Whether it is right for you depends on your health, job, and personal circumstances.
Do you need income protection insurance for a mortgage?
Income protection insurance is not required to get a mortgage.
This cover provides a regular income if you cannot work due to illness or injury. It can help you keep up with mortgage payments if your income stops.
Some borrowers choose income protection for peace of mind, especially if they rely on one main income.
Again, this is a personal choice rather than a lender requirement.
Specialised insurance
Some homes need extra thought when it comes to insurance. This does not always stop you getting a mortgage, but it may affect your options.
Buying in a flood zone
If a property is in a flood-risk area, buildings insurance may be harder to arrange or more expensive.
Most lenders still require buildings insurance, even in flood zones. You may need to check insurance options early in the buying process to avoid delays.
Home insurance for new builds
New build homes can sometimes need specialist cover, especially before construction is fully finished.
In some cases, the developer’s insurance covers the property until completion. After that, you will need your own buildings insurance in place.
Can I transfer my home insurance to my new home?
Sometimes, yes. Some insurers allow you to move an existing policy to a new address.
You will need to tell your insurer about the new property and check that the cover still meets your needs. The cost may change depending on the size, location, and type of home.
You should not assume a policy will transfer automatically. Always confirm this before exchange or completion.
When should I start my new home insurance policy?
Buildings insurance usually needs to start on the day you exchange contracts.
From that point, you are legally responsible for the property, even if you have not moved in yet. This is why lenders often ask for insurance details before completion.
Contents insurance can usually start later, closer to the move-in date.
Do you have to insure an empty house?
If a property is empty, it may still need insurance.
Standard home insurance policies often limit cover if a home is left empty for a long time. This can increase risk.
If your new home will be empty for a period, you should tell your insurer. They may adjust the policy or suggest specialist cover.
Final thoughts
So, can you get a mortgage without house insurance? In most cases, you cannot complete a mortgage without buildings insurance in place.
Buildings insurance protects both you and the lender. Other types of insurance, such as contents or life cover, are usually optional.
Knowing what insurance is required, and when it must start, can help you avoid delays during the buying process. If you are unsure, a mortgage broker can help explain lender rules and guide you through the steps.
By looking at the full picture, specialist lenders can help you move forward with confidence. If you’re unsure, speak with a broker about your specific needs.