Buildings Insurance

Specialist buildings insurance
Protect your home up to £3,000,000
Comprehensive, all risk cover
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why choose us

We’ve redesigned insurance, so that it works for you

Insurance is traditionally complicated, opaque and time-consuming. Rivr offers buildings insurance that puts clarity and simplicity first. Whether your property is high-value, listed or features swimming pools, permanent fixtures or other special features, our home insurance policy is designed to protect what matters.

Our buildings cover is based on your property's actual rebuild cost, with the option to increase your sum insured using a recent, approved valuation. We also provide cover for accidental damage, legal expenses, lost or stolen keys and alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable. If you ever need to make a claim, our expert team will guide you through the process with speed and care.

Regulated by the FCA | Underwritten by A Rated insurers

tailored specialist cover

Truly comprehensive, all risks cover. Insure with confidence.

HOME

All risk cover

Cover designed for high value homes with less ambiguity.

OUTBUILDINGS

Enhanced protection

Higher limits and broader coverage for outbuildings.

AND MORE

Fast and personal

The speed of digital, with the benefit of dedicated advisors.

4.6/5 rated on Trustpilot

What our clients are saying

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"Totally refreshing experience to talk to Will at rivr. I have a property and getting insurance can be problematic and expensive. Will provided a service like no other - great communication, listens, understands and delivers! I highly recommend you call him too."

Emma
UK

What’s covered?

Policy documents

Only a summary of the policy's coverage is presented on this page. 
Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn't covered

Rivr Home Insurance Policy Wording
Rivr Home Insurance IPID
Policy overview

Your home's buildings

We cover the physical structure of your home, any outbuildings, decorative finishes or permanent fittings in your home.

Home improvements

Any additions, alterations or improvements are covered up to 25% of your buildings cover.

Accidental damage

We will pay for any damage caused accidentally.

Alternative accommodation

If you can't live in your home for up to 3 years due to some insured damage we will pay for somewhere else for you to live.

Building works

If you are carrying out building works on your home, we will cover you up to £75,000, but let us know if it's going to cost more than this.

Emergency access

We will pay for damage due to forced entry during a medical emergency or to prevent damage to your home.

View full summary

Your homes contents

All your home's contents. It is a long list but most things are covered as standard.

Home improvements

Any additions, alterations or improvements are covered up to 25% of your buildings cover.

Accidental damage

We will pay for any damage caused accidentally.

Alternative accommodation

If you can't live in your home for up to 3 years due to some insured damage we will pay for somewhere else for you to live.

Building works

If you are carrying out building works on your home, we will cover you up to £75,000, but let us know if it's going to cost more than this.

Emergency access

We will pay for damage due to forced entry during a medical emergency or to prevent damage to your home.

Lock replacement

We will pay for costs to replace locks on external doors, alarms, and safes after the loss or theft of your keys with no excess applied.

Preventative measures

We will pay up to £2,500 for costs you incur in taking reasonable temporary preventative measures to protect your home from damage caused by a storm or flooding.

Locating the source of a leak

We will cover the cost of locating a leak from fixed water tanks, apparatus and pipes.

Garden cover

We will pay up to £10,000 to restore your garden if it is damaged from certain events.

Precautionary repairs

We will pay up to £1,000 for repairs that prevent further loss or damage after a flood or a leak.

Cover during the sale of your home

We will cover damage to your home between the exchange of contracts and completion.

Tree removal

We will pay up to £2,500 to remove fallen trees blocking your main car access to your home.

Fees, expenses & debris removal

We will pay for architect, surveyor, and engineer fees and site clearing and costs.

Fatal injury & disability

We will pay up to £50,000 for fatal injuries as a result of a fire or burglary at your home and up to £15,000 for any necessary building alterations as a result of your injuries.

Forced eviction

If public authorities deny you access due to nearby damage, we will cover the costs of alternative accommodation costs for up to 30 days.

Reward

We offer up to £5,000 as a reward to anyone who helps catch and convict anyone who caused a claim under this insurance through illegal actions.

Policy documents

Only a summary of the policy's coverage is presented on this page. 
Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn't covered

Rivr Home Insurance Policy Wording
Rivr Home Insurance IPID

What’s not covered?

Policy documents

Only a summary of the policy's coverage is presented on this page. 
Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn't covered

Rivr Home Insurance Policy Wording
Rivr Home Insurance IPID
Policy overview

Your excess

Your excess as detailed in your policy schedule.

Wear and tear

There is no cover for wear and tear, or anything that happens gradually.

Building works over £75,000

There is no cover for loss or damage resulting from building works that cost more than £75,000.

General maintenance and decoration

There is no cover for general maintenance and decoration costs.

Existing and deliberate damage

There is no cover for loss or damage occurring outside your period of insurance, or caused intentionally or through criminal acts by you.

Defective design, breakdowns and faults

There is no cover for any loss, damage or liability as a result of design flaws, workmanship, or mechanical and electrical faults or breakdowns.

View full summary

Your excess

Your excess as detailed in your policy schedule.

Wear and tear

There is no cover for wear and tear, or anything that happens gradually.

Building works over £75,000

There is no cover for loss or damage resulting from building works that cost more than £75,000.

General maintenance and decoration

There is no cover for general maintenance and decoration costs.

Existing and deliberate damage

There is no cover for loss or damage occurring outside your period of insurance, or caused intentionally or through criminal acts by you.

Defective design, breakdowns and faults

There is no cover for any loss, damage or liability as a result of design flaws, workmanship, or mechanical and electrical faults or breakdowns.

Let properties and business use

There is no cover for any loss, damage or liability from any part of your home that is let or is used for business purposes.

Confiscation

There is no cover for loss, damage or liability from confiscation or holding your property from officials or authorities.

Unoccupied homes

There is no cover for losses when your home is unoccupied for over 45 days, and certain precautions listed in the policy wording have not been taken to safeguard your home and heating system during certain periods.

Warping or shrinkage

There is no cover for loss or damage due to warping or shrinkage.

Certain subsidence or heave damage scenarios

There is no cover for subsidence, heave or landslip in certain specific scenarios. See the policy wording for further details.

Some specific garden damage

There is no cover for damage caused by storm, flood, frost, fallen trees, or snow to certain garden structures such as fences, pergolas and hedges unless your home is also damaged by the same insured event.

Blocked drains and pipes

There is no cover for costs to clear blocked sewer pipes, drains, pipes or underground tanks unless damaged from an insured event.

Pollution and contamination

There is no cover for loss, damage or liability from pollution or contamination except in specific circumstances listed in the policy wording.

Nuclear and radioactive hazards

There is no cover for loss or damage or any legal liability from radioactive materials or nuclear components, or from potentially catastrophic events like radiation leaks.

War and terrorism

There is no cover for direct or indirect damages resulting from war, civil disturbances, or terrorist acts.

Policy documents

Only a summary of the policy's coverage is presented on this page. 
Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn't covered

Rivr Home Insurance Policy Wording
Rivr Home Insurance IPID

Additional cover, as standard

All of this is included as standard with our buildings, contents, and combined home insurance policies, meeting the needs of your mortgage lender, and supporting you whenever you need to make a claim.

Home emergency cover

Our home emergency cover helps protect against unexpected damage caused by plumbing failures, electrical faults, or broken locks and heating systems.

£2,500 emergency repair costs for issues like plumbing, heating, electrical faults, and damage to locks, doors and windows
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions. For full cover details please refer to the full policy wording for complete details.

Family legal protection cover

Our family legal protection covers the cost of legal advice and representation, with up to £100,000 for legal expenses relating to property, employment or consumer disputes.

Up to £100,000 to cover legal services and court action, including 24/7 access to legal advice
Up to £25,000 for legal costs in cases of personal identity fraud
Legal support for employment, property and other disputes.
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions. For full cover details please refer to the full policy wording for complete details.

Your liabilities cover

Covers property owners liability up to £5 million, helping protect you against legal claims if someone is injured at your property.

Up to £5 million property owners liability cover
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions. For full cover details please refer to the full policy wording for complete details.
support

Bespoke coverage through our dedicated advisors

Insurance can be complex, but we can guide you through 
it. Your dedicated rivr advisor is here to help you, whilst explaining our cover, answering questions, and ensuring 
you get the right coverage with confidence.

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Secure your cover 
in 3 simple steps

Our service really begins once you purchase cover. Manage your policy online - adjust your cover and manage claims. Dedicated specialist claims team if the worst happens.Your advisor is available anytime to support you.

01

Answer a few questions

Tell us about yourself, your home and what you are looking for.
02

Review your quote and conditions

Review your quote and any conditions of cover.
03

Accept your quote

Accept your quote and pay. That’s it.
complete flexibility

Easy 24/7 online access

You can manage your policy completely online.

Access your policy documents, update your cover and submit a claim anytime.

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Frequently asked questions

What is high-value buildings insurance?

High-value buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your home, including outbuildings and most other permanent features on your property. It’s designed for homes with a higher rebuild value, or those that need specialist cover due to non-standard construction or listed status.

What are the differences between standard buildings insurance and high-value buildings insurance?

Standard buildings insurance is designed for typical homes, while high-value buildings insurance is tailored for properties with a higher rebuild cost, specialist materials, or unique architectural features. It provides broader protection, has higher limits, and more extensive coverage for luxury finishes and bespoke elements that standard policies may not fully insure.

Do I need high-value buildings insurance?

You may need high-value buildings insurance if your home has a rebuild value over £1 million, is constructed from non-standard materials, or is a Listed property.

These homes often require specialist cover to reflect their higher rebuild costs and their unique features.

How much does high-value buildings insurance cost?

The cost of high-value buildings insurance depends on several factors such as your home’s rebuild value, location, unique features, and the level of cover you choose. Premiums are generally higher than standard insurance due to the increased value and risk, but they provide broader protection and higher limits than standard policies.

What are my buildings?

Your buildings are everything that makes up the physical structure of your home and its permanent features, including:

The main home itself

Garages and outbuildings

Decorative finishes (paint, wallpaper, tiles, etc.)

Permanent fixtures and fittings (kitchens, bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, etc.)

Domestic fixed fuel tanks

Garden walls, fences, gates, paths, and driveways

Hard tennis courts, patios, steps, terraces, ornamental ponds, fountains, and bridges

Permanently fitted hot tubs and swimming pools

Radio and TV aerials, satellite dishes, solar panels, outdoor lighting, alarm systems, CCTV, and lifts

Underground service pipes, cables, drains, and inspection covers

These are all covered as part of the Buildings section of your policy, as long as they’re situated at the address shown in your policy schedule and owned by you (or you’re legally responsible for them).

How much buildings cover do I need?

Your buildings cover should be enough to fully rebuild your home if it were completely destroyed. This includes all permanent fixtures, such as kitchens, cupboards, flooring, and bathrooms, as well as decorative finishes like wallpaper, paint, and carpets.

Estimating the rebuild cost can be challenging, as the quality of finishes in your home can significantly affect the amount. We provide an indicative estimate to help, but for greater accuracy, we can help you arrange a desktop valuation through our partner, RCA.

If you’d like a desktop valuation, please email us at hello@rivrcover.com.

Do you insure listed buildings?

Yes. We can provide cover for Grade 1 or A, Grade 2 or B, and Grade 2* listed buildings. Each property is assessed individually and evaluated on a case by case basis.

Do you insure homes built of non-standard materials?

Yes. We can provide cover for most homes built from non-standard materials, such as timber or wattle and daub, but these are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Can you cover homes with a history of flooding?

Yes. We can cover properties with a previous history of flooding, subject to underwriter review.

Where flood risk applies, policies are ceded to Flood Re, which is the UK’s government-backed scheme designed to make flood insurance more accessible. Our underwriters will review the property to ensure it meets the required criteria, giving you peace of mind that your home is properly protected.

Do I need to include VAT in my buildings sum insured?

It depends on the type of property.

For non-listed properties, you do not need to include VAT in your buildings sum insured as they are VAT exempt when completely rebuilt.

For listed or graded buildings, our insurers require that the buildings sum insured includes VAT, to fully rebuild the property. This is because they are not VAT exempt.

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