Why you need home contents insurance, insurance for social and affordable housing and how to apply for it

Why you need insurance

Contents insurance helps you protect your belongings. Even if you're careful, things can still be lost, damaged or stolen. Insurance can give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.

We do not cover your personal belongings as part of the tenancy agreement. It's worth checking what a contents insurance policy includes, so you can decide if you need one.

If you choose to get insurance, look for providers authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can compare policies on websites such as Money Supermarket or Compare the Market.

Contents insurance for social and affordable housing

Thistle Insurance Services specialise in contents insurance for people living in social housing.

Their Crystal Insurance Scheme offers cover for items in your home, such as:

  • furniture
  • carpets and curtains
  • clothes and bedding
  • electrical items
  • jewellery, pictures and ornaments

The Crystal Insurance Scheme is one option for getting contents insurance quotes. We recommend you also compare quotes from other providers authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), on sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Compare the Market.

Reasons to choose Crystal Insurance Scheme

  • You can apply over the telephone, or complete an application form.
  • There's no excess, you don't pay the first part of the claim.
  • You can choose flexible, regular pay-as-you-go payment options, fortnightly and monthly premiums include a transaction charge.
  • You don't need to have special door or window locks, just a lockable front door.

The scheme covers:

  • theft, water damage, fire and many more household risks
  • improvements made by the tenant (up to £2000 or 20% of the sum insured, whichever is the greatest)
  • theft or attempted theft of contents in sheds, outbuildings and garages, up to £3,000
  • damage to external glazing for which you are responsible 
  • replacement and installation of locks for outside doors or windows and alarms, if keys are lost or stolen 

Who can apply

As a tenant or leaseholder of Bristol City Council, you'll be eligible to apply.

If you're unsure whether this insurance policy is right for you, call Thistle Tenant Risks on 0345 450 7286.

How to apply

To apply for home contents insurance:

How much it costs

These documents give you important information on your rights and how Thistle deal with you and your insurance, and key information regarding the insurance cover:

All Tenant Risks business is arranged on a non-advised basis. This means you'll be given information to make an informed decision on which cover is appropriate for your needs.