Halifax home insurance review

We analyse and rate 26 aspects of buildings cover, 41 areas of contents cover, and 25 features applicable to both (such as admin fees). We use this data to award each provider policy scores for its buildings and contents cover. 

Initially, we score all of the product elements out of five, reflecting how competitive each policy is in this area compared with other insurance products. We also assess how important different policy elements are to consumers when choosing and using their home insurance, and factor this in when calculating our policy scores. More important features (such as alternative accommodation cover) will have more of an effect on the score than some other features (such as cover for the contents of your freezer).

We review a lot of policies - and our 'Best Buy' badge recognises the individual products that stoof out as being the most comprehensive in our analysis. It doesn't reflect customer service. However, we won't give a provider a Best Buy badge where there's evidence - either from our surveys or from Financial Conduct Authority data - of poor service or a poorer-than-average record of paying claims.

• Buildings Best Buy policies must have a minimum buildings policy score of 75%. Contents Best Buy policies must have a contents score at least 68%.

Additionally, we look at how consistently good the cover is in policies. To make the cut, a policy needs to have scored at least three out of five points in two thirds of the areas we've rated.

• Find out more: how we rate policies.

Lastly, all Best Buy policies must have - or make available - the following levels of cover as a minimum:

Buildings

Flood, storm, subsidence and accidental damage cover; Cover for burst or blocked pipes; Trace and access cover (£5,000); Alternative accommodation (£50,000) with no time limit; Property owner liability (£1m); Replacement of locks or keys for external doors (£500); Home Emergency Cover (£500 and includes the central heating system).

Contents

Accidental damage cover; Theft and damage of contents in the open; Theft and damage of contents from outbuildings; Business equipment; Alternative accommodation (£15,000); Money in the home (£500); Valuables (unspecified single item limit - £2,000); Personal possessions (unspecified single item limit - £1,000); Replacement of locks or keys for external doors (£500).

We’re not influenced by third parties. We work entirely on behalf of you, the consumer – nobody else. See our statement of editorial independence for more.