Flats and home insurance

MasterOfNinja

Hi

First time poster with a question - I'm buying a new flat. I know with the monthly factor fees we have communal buildings insurance. However do I have to get separate buildings/home insurance for my flat with my contents insurance? Hope people can help me with this simple question - new to this thing.

With Thanks

ShowmetheMoney

Assuming your flat is in England (not in Scotland where different rules apply).
There should be a policy already in force covering the buildings insurance for the whole block of flats. Your solicitor will be able to request this information.
In addition, you will need to take out an insurance policy to cover your contents.
If you make any improvements to your flat (e.g. install a hi-tech kitchen or solid wood floors etc), then you will need cover for fixtures & fittings / tenants improvements (different insurers can call it different things). It may be that these improvements will automatically be covered under the block policy for the buildings (this will need to be checked) but if not, you can add this cover to your contents policy.
Hope that helps.