What is contents insurance?
When you think about all the stuff you own – like your furniture, clothes, or electronics – have you ever thought about how much it would cost to replace everything if something bad happened, like a fire or a flood?
That’s where contents insurance comes in. Think of it as a way to protect yourself from losing money, if your things were to get accidently damaged, stolen, or destroyed, it’s not about the house itself (that’s a different kind of insurance), but the stuff inside it that you care about.
Many people find it helpful to explore options through a reliable insurer to get this protection in place. It’s worth considering because unexpected events can happen, and having coverage can offer peace of mind knowing things are looked after.
The National Housing Federation works in partnership with Thistle Tenant Risks, and Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited, who provide the My Home Contents Insurance Scheme, a tenants contents insurance policy designed for tenants living in social housing.
For further information or to get an online quote today visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk or call 0345 450 7288
The National Housing Federation working in partnership with Thistle Insurance Services Ltd. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Firm Reference Number 310419. Registered in England under No. 00338645. Registered office: Rossington's Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Thistle Insurance Services Ltd is part of the PIB Group. Our Data Protection Privacy Policy is online at www.thistleinsurance.co.uk/Privacy-Policy. MHD240905
Real claim example
One customer suffered water damage from the flat above when a neighbour left the tap running with the plug still in the sink and left the property, forgetting about it.
The customer returned home to find water coming through the ceiling of the kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Carpets were saturated, the mattress was soaking, and the kettle and toaster were floating. The air fryer, cooker and fridge freezer were badly water damaged. Cupboards were emptied to dry, and all food was thrown out.
Fortunately, this tenant had a home contents insurance policy, which meant she could claim for the damaged items which were her responsibility, and the claim was settled within eight weeks of the incident.
*True example of claim made via the Thistle Tenant Risks home contents insurance schemes March 2023. Source: Ageas Insurance Ltd
Between October 2024 and January 2025, there have been 911 claims notified via the Thistle Tenant Risks Home Contents Insurance Schemes.
- 17 fire claims
- 64 escape of water
- 12 floods
- 37 storm damage
- 41 thefts
- 724 accidental damage incidents.
