What to do

Your premium is usually decided based on your post code, based on aspects such as crime rate in the area. Other factors that influence the price of your premium are: the value of the item or items insured, the level of insurance required and history of previous claims.
If your home is badly damaged and you are properly covered, depending on your insurance company, it will pay up to 20 per cent of the sum insured in alternative accommodation. Furthermore, if you, as inhabitant of your home,  injure someone or cause damage to other’s property, the policy will cover up to ₤1 million in damages.
Before you make a claim ensure the loss is covered by your policy. If temporary repair works are needed, keep all the bills; they might be needed as part of your claim. You can add other benefits to your policy like coverage for non-standard hazards such as liability to third persons on premises. Be aware that damages to abandoned property are usually excluded from the policy.  Furthermore, if your house is located in a high risk area you might not be granted insurance at all.