'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any v

First, decide upon your requirements.

Starting with the basics

Do you own the freehold?
Are you living in a flat or bed sitter?
Are there any youngsters living in the house?
What sort of house or flat do you live in and do you have any valuable items or just typical fittings and furnishings?
Are you accident prone?
Maybe the landlord is already paying the insurance for the actual bricks and mortar?

Bear in mind that you have to choose (for both buildings and contents) if you need, and want to pay for, accidental damage cover or if you are happy to accept just the normal risks. Considering questions like these will help you decide.

These days, the majority of online insurance companies calculate the minimum value of a building based on the type of building and number of bedrooms combined with your post code. You are then allowed to increase this valuation if your house is particularly well preserved or if it has additions such as a conservatory or converted loft. You should remember that this estimate is for the cost of rebuilding the house, it doesn't include the cost of the land that the house is built upon.

When considering the contents you have two choices. You could compile a list of all of your possessions and note beside it the replacement value (you want 'new for old' cover don't you?). If that sounds too much like hard work then you might consider a 'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any va

e the landlord is already paying the insurance for the actual bricks and mortar?

Bear in mind that you have to choose (for both buildings and contents) if you need, and want to pay for, accidental damage cover or if you are happy to accept just the normal risks. Considering questions like these will help you decide.

These days, the majority of online insurance companies calculate the minimum value of a building based on the type of building and number of bedrooms combined with your post code. You are then allowed to increase this valuation if your house is particularly well preserved or if it has additions such as a conservatory or converted loft. You should remember that this estimate is for the cost of rebuilding the house, it doesn't include the cost of the land that the house is built upon.

When considering the contents you have two choices. You could compile a list of all of your possessions and note beside it the replacement value (you want 'new for old' cover don't you?). If that sounds too much like hard work then you might consider a 'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any v

nline insurance companies calculate the minimum value of a building based on the type of building and number of bedrooms combined with your post code. You are then allowed to increase this valuation if your house is particularly well preserved or if it has additions such as a conservatory or converted loft. You should remember that this estimate is for the cost of rebuilding the house, it doesn't include the cost of the land that the house is built upon.

When considering the contents you have two choices. You could compile a list of all of your possessions and note beside it the replacement value (you want 'new for old' cover don't you?). If that sounds too much like hard work then you might consider a 'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any v

cost of rebuilding the house, it doesn't include the cost of the land that the house is built upon.

When considering the contents you have two choices. You could compile a list of all of your possessions and note beside it the replacement value (you want 'new for old' cover don't you?). If that sounds too much like hard work then you might consider a 'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any v

'bedroom rated' policy i.e. the number of bedrooms in the property is used to determine the level of contents valuation. It saves a lot of work but you would be very likely to be paying out a higher premium for higher sums insured than you need to.

Next, you must think about all those special items and valuable pieces you have. When considering any valuable jewellery, antiques or works of art, I strongly recommend that you specify them as individual items on the policy. This will add to the policy cost but it is well worth it. Before listing them, get a professional valuation for each piece (and if jewellery, gem checked) and get a photograph of each piece. Similarly with expensive camcorders,bicycles, laptop computers, Ipod's and so on. In fact, anything of value that you are likely to take outside the house.

Fourth, I propose that you include cover for unspecified items outside of the home. This option should also offer insurance to cover accidental damage for these items within your home. The only people that do not require this cover are those that never go outside their front door! It will also cover you for your basic luggage whilst on vacation thus saving you on your travel insurance. And what's more,the cover is better! (Travel insurance providers always pays indemnity - i.e. item value minus wear and tear. Your unspecified items cover, if you follow my advice, is 'new for old' - except clothes).

Fifth - liability cover. In this age of blame culture this is essential. It is always provided free with your other cover. Make sure you have it on contents plus buildings if you are the owner. If you do not own buildings, then the liability cover on contents is fine on its own. It's a bit like having 'third party' cover on your car (although not