Insured perils are the stated events that you are covered for by buildings insurance. Usually buildings insurance policies cover for: fire, explosion, lightening, or earthquake; subsidence, heave or landslip; storm and flood; theft or attempted theft; escape of water from tanks or pipes; falling trees or branches; breakage or collapse of television, radio signal or satellite apparatus; riot, civil commotion, strikes, labour or political disturbances; impact by aircraft, other aerial devices, any vehicle or animal; and escape of oil from heating systems. The above is, of course, just a general list of the kinds of perils for which a buildings insurance policy might cover you, so keep in mind that it is important that you read over your own policy so you know what you are covered for.

Where do you buy the cheapest home insurance uk once you've decided that you need this type of coverage? Usually people purchase buildings insurance from their building society or through their lender when they get their mortgage because having insurance is often a condition of the loan. You don't have to do this though, unless you signed up for a special mortgage package that necessarily includes insurance. In fact, in many situations you are allowed to purchase your insurance elsewhere if you so desire, although you might be charged a small fee for doing so to cover servicing costs.

Some terms

Sum insured - this is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay you if you have to make a claim. Any expenses that go over the sum insured must be covered by other means. When you take out an insurance policy, it is your responsibility to make sure that the sum insured will cover the full rebuilding costs of your home. In fact, if you are under-insured you might even have your claim rejected altogether.

Exclusions and Excesses - exclusions are any perils for which you are not covered by your insurance policy. An excess, on the other hand, is the amount you are required to pay toward the cost of your claim. The amounts can vary from company to company, and they might apply to only certain types of claims. Read your policy so you know exactly what you're getting into. If you want to purchase a buildings insurance policy, visit our online directory for companies that offer cheap home insurance quotes in the uk.