Ask whether the policy covers buildings, contents, or both, and whether the sums insured reflect your home’s rebuild cost and possessions. Check the excesses, key exclusions and limits for valuables, bicycles, home working, accidental damage, alternative accommodation and trace-and-access costs for leaks. Find out how claims are handled, which contractors may be used, and what you must do to protect your home when it is unoccupied. Before buying, check the details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker and answer all questions accurately, as missing information could affect a claim.