Home insurance is generally not a legal requirement in the UK, but a mortgage lender may require buildings insurance as a condition of your loan. Without cover, you would usually have to pay for repairs, replacing belongings or claims for accidental damage or personal liability yourself. If you live in a leasehold property, the freeholder or lease may arrange buildings insurance, so check your documents carefully. Consider comparing policies from FCA-authorised providers and checking exactly what buildings and contents cover you need.