Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing damage to the structure of your property. It usually covers loss or damage caused by fire, explosion, storms, floods, earthquakes, etc.
Whether you’re a landlord or an owner-occupier, buildings insurance isn’t compulsory under the law. However, if you have a mortgage then buildings insurance will be a condition of the mortgage and must be at least enough to cover the outstanding mortgage. Your lender should give you a choice of insurer or allow you to choose one yourself. If you buy a house you should take out buildings insurance when you exchange contracts. If you sell a house you are responsible for looking after it until the sale is completed so you should keep your insurance cover until then.
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.