Whether you're sharing and need to make sure your belongings are covered or are taking in a lodger and want to get the right insurance, it's always important to get the right policy or check with your insurer to make sure you're covered

Shared contents insurance

Getting contents insurance for shared houses and flats is notoriously difficult - many insurance companies won't even quote for it. The main issue is that there's inherently a greater risk to our posessions when sharing with strangers. You have to put a lot of trust in people you don't know very well to begin with and, though most people are honest, there are always exceptions and they're not always the ones you'd expect! As well as your flatmates you also have to trust any friends of theirs who visit. Many insurers who do offer cover may exclude theft except in the case where there has been forced entry (which therefore excludes theft from flatmates).

Endsleigh is one of the few insurers who offer shared house contents insurance - get an quote online now

Lodgers and insurance

If you're taking in a lodger you should contact your insurance provider and discuss it with them first so you know whether or not you'll still be covered. In most cases you'll be fine as long as you let your provider know in advance. Your lodger will need to get their own contents insurance though (see above) as your policy is unlikely to cover their belongings.