do I really need buildings insurance

Daisy_fresh

I have recently moved into social housing provided by a housing association.
I am currently researching contents insurance. I have been told that buildings insurance is not necessary as liability for this falls with my landlords, the housing association. However, a lot of insurers will not provide insurance at all for rented accommodation that belongs to a HA. The ones I have found are pricey and will only provide cover for both.
I have a friend who lived in a housing association accommodation and had a house fire. The HA said she was liable for the damage as the fire was found to be caused by her hair straighteners. Generally, I am careful of these things but is it worth the extra expense of buildings insurance? My lease states that the company are liable for building damage including fire and flood but in my friends experience it seems all to risky to not have it if the conditions of my lease can be overturned?

EdGasket

If you can't afford the loss then insure for it. i.e. I presume you can't afford to buy the house or pay for it to be rebuilt if your hair straighteners burn it down, so you should have cover for that if it is correct that you would indeed be liable in that circumstance or similar.

So did your friend have to pay ££££'s in the end or not?

Daisy_fresh

She took it through court and won as it was part of her lease that they were liable for buildings insurance. Her housing advisor had specifically told her not to get it when moved in when they were helping her with settling in.
I dont fancy taking the risk nor do I fancy a lengthy court case and being homeless through the process so maybe a small sacrifice to finances just to take it.
Just thought I'd ask on here as applying for insurance can affect my credit rating so don't really want a list of rejections on it. :beer::j
thanks.

magpiecottage

Get contents insurance that includes personal liability cover (almost all do).

In the event of a claim against you as the occupier of your home, the contents insurer should then either pay out or take the case on in your name and fight it.