What to check before insuring a house or flat

A realistic valuation, the actual risks and an accurate inventory make the difference between a formal and a useful policy.

Reading time: 1 min read
Updated:: 10 August 2026

Home insurance is only as good as the accuracy of the details it rests on. Preparation takes little time, yet it determines how any future claim will be handled.

Quick answer

Before taking out cover, assess the value of the property and its contents, list the actual risks of the location, and check what the terms do not cover. Also prepare the documentation for the property.

What you need to do

Assess the value
Consider the value of the building and the value of the household contents separately.
List the risks of the location
Take into account flooding, landslides, burglary and other risks typical of the area.
Make an inventory of your belongings
Photograph more valuable items and keep receipts or other documentation for them.
Check the exclusions
Check which situations are not covered by the terms and under which conditions cover is limited.
Match the policy to how the property is used
State if the property is occasionally empty or let out — this changes the scope of protection.

Prepare

Ownership documentation
Floor area and year of construction
Photographs of rooms and more valuable items
Details of any alarm or security measures
Details of periods when the property is empty

Common mistakes

Insuring the building for an amount well below its real value.
Leaving out an inventory of household contents.
Not reporting a longer absence from the property.

This text is general practical guidance from the SuravenT platform and is not legal, medical or financial advice. Verify current conditions and regulations with the competent institution or your insurer.