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Imagine coming home one day to discover that a water leak has caused damage to your house! At that moment, you’re likely to wonder whether your insurance will cover the damage and the repair costs. The simple answer depends on whether the damage has affected the building structure or the contents of your home.
What does it actually mean “building” and “contents” in home insurance?
In insurance terms, it’s essential to understand the difference between building and contents to ensure your home insurance policy adequately covers all aspects of your property.
The term “building “refers to the physical structure of the insured property. This includes all elements that are an integral part of the building and cannot be moved without causing damage to the structure. In other words, the building covers everything permanently fixed to the property.
Examples of building coverage include:
- Walls, ceilings, and floors—such as brick walls, tiled roofs, and wooden floors.
- Fixed installations—like water pipes, electrical systems, windows, and doors.
- Structural elements—such as staircases, chimneys, and built-in cupboards.
On the other hand, contents refers to all movable belongings inside the insured property. These are items that can be moved without affecting the building’s structure, including personal belongings and valuables inside the property.
Examples of contents coverage include:
- Furniture and appliances—such as sofas, beds, tables, TVs, and refrigerators.
- Personal items—like clothing, jewellery, books, and electronic devices.
- Decorations and utensils—such as paintings, lamps, kitchenware, and rugs.
Why is it important to differentiate between building and contents?
Differentiating between building and contents is crucial when purchasing insurance, as each may require specific coverage. A home insurance policy can cover both, but it’s important to
review the policy terms to ensure all key elements of your property are protected in case of damage.
For example, if a fire occurs in your home, building insurance would cover damage to walls, the roof, and fixed installations, while contents insurance would cover damage to your furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. This means that if you only have building insurance, you could face significant losses to your movable and personal possessions.
Understanding the difference between building and contents ensures your insurance policy properly covers all parts of your property and helps avoid unexpected surprises when disaster strikes.
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About Our Team
At The Insurance Centre, we’ve been helping clients since 1999 with friendly, professional, and multilingual insurance services tailored especially for expatriates in Spain. We work with top-tier, reputable insurance providers and have proudly received awards for excellence in customer service and expat insurance for the past 10 years.
We are fully registered with the Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) and are members of the Colegio de Mediadores. Our team speaks English, Spanish, French, and Swedish, ensuring clear and confident communication with clients from around the world.
