Buildings insurance covers the permanent structure of your home, including walls, roofs, floors, windows and fitted kitchens, against specified risks such as fire, storm damage or escape of water. Contents insurance covers belongings you keep inside, such as furniture, clothing, electrical items and personal possessions, subject to the policy terms and limits. Homeowners with a mortgage are often required by their lender to have buildings cover, while contents insurance is usually optional; tenants generally need contents cover rather than buildings insurance. Check the exclusions, excesses and single-item limits carefully, and ask an FCA-authorised insurer if you are unsure what protection suits your circumstances.