Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd · LBS MBA · Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
FSCS protects home insurance policyholders if their FCA-authorised insurer fails. Unlike bank deposits (capped at 85,000 pounds), FSCS general insurance cover has no upper limit -- it pays 90% of any valid claim. Verify your insurer's FCA status at register.fca.org.uk using the FRN on your policy schedule.
Does FSCS Home Insurance Protection Have an Upper Limit?
Direct answer
Does FSCS home insurance protection have an upper limit?
No. Unlike bank deposits (capped at 85,000 pounds per person per institution), FSCS general insurance protection has no upper limit. For home insurance, FSCS pays 90% of any valid claim. For a property with a 600,000 pound rebuild cost, FSCS would pay 540,000 pounds (90%) if the insurer failed. Verify your insurer is FCA-authorised at register.fca.org.uk using the FRN on your policy.
| Product type | FSCS cover level | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|
| Home insurance (buildings/contents) | 90% of claim | No upper limit |
| Car insurance (third-party only) | 100% of claim | No upper limit |
| Car insurance (comprehensive) | 90% of claim | No upper limit |
| Bank deposits | 100% of balance | 85,000 pounds per person per institution |
| Investments | 100% of first 85,000 pounds | 85,000 pounds |
| Mortgage advice | 100% of first 85,000 pounds | 85,000 pounds |
Source: fscs.org.uk. Limits correct as at June 2026. Open Government Licence.
How to Verify Your Home Insurer Is FSCS Protected
Find your insurer's FCA Firm Reference Number
Your FRN appears on your policy schedule, welcome letter or the insurer's website. It is a 6-digit number (e.g. Admiral FRN 314925, Aviva FRN 202153).
Verify the FRN at register.fca.org.uk
Go to register.fca.org.uk and search by FRN or firm name. Confirm the firm is 'Authorised' (not just 'Registered') and that its permissions include general insurance underwriting or arranging.
Check whether you need the underwriter or intermediary FRN
For panel arrangements (Post Office, John Lewis, Sainsbury's Bank), the intermediary's FRN covers distribution. The FSCS protection comes from the underwriter. Ask the intermediary to confirm the underwriting insurer's name and FRN.
If your insurer fails, register with FSCS
Go to fscs.org.uk or call 0800 678 1100. The FSCS typically contacts policyholders directly when a firm fails, but proactive registration ensures you are on the list for outstanding claims.
Submit your claim -- FSCS pays 90%
For general insurance (buildings and contents), FSCS pays 90% of the valid claim amount with no upper limit. There is no minimum claim size. The remaining 10% is not recoverable from FSCS.
FSCS Protection for Major Home Insurers: FCA FRN Reference Table
| Insurer (FCA entity) | FCA FRN | FSCS protected? |
|---|---|---|
| Admiral (EUI Limited) | FRN 314925 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| Aviva Insurance Limited | FRN 202153 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| U K Insurance Ltd (Direct Line / Churchill) | FRN 202702 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| Liverpool Victoria Insurance (LV=) | FRN 110035 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| NFU Mutual Insurance Society | FRN 110577 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| Hiscox Insurance Company | FRN 113849 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| Hastings Insurance Services | FRN 311492 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
| Avantia Insurance (Homeprotect) | FRN 304432 | Yes -- FCA Authorised |
Source: FCA Register, register.fca.org.uk, verified June 2026. Always verify current status before purchasing.
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FSCS home insurance protection have an upper limit?
No. Unlike bank deposit protection (capped at 85,000 pounds per person per institution), FSCS protection for general insurance including home insurance has no upper limit. The FSCS pays 90% of any valid claim regardless of size. For a property with a rebuild cost of 800,000 pounds, the FSCS would pay up to 720,000 pounds (90%) if the underwriting insurer became insolvent. The remaining 10% is not covered by FSCS and is not recoverable from any other scheme.
Is 90% or 100% of my home insurance claim covered by FSCS?
Home buildings and contents insurance is covered at 90% with no upper limit. Unlike compulsory insurance (motor third-party liability), which is covered at 100%, home insurance is a voluntary product and falls under the 90% general insurance protection. Car insurance third-party cover receives 100% protection. This difference reflects the statutory requirement for motor third-party liability versus the voluntary nature of home cover.
How do I verify my home insurer is FSCS protected?
Go to register.fca.org.uk and search by your insurer's FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN). The FRN appears on your policy schedule. Confirm the firm has 'Authorised' status and that its permissions include general insurance business. For panel arrangements where an intermediary distributes insurance written by a third-party underwriter, it is the underwriter's FRN and authorisation that determines FSCS eligibility -- not the intermediary's.
What is the difference between FSCS and FOS?
The FSCS and FOS serve completely different purposes. The FSCS compensates policyholders when an FCA-authorised firm becomes insolvent and cannot pay claims -- it is a last-resort safety net that activates only on firm failure. The FOS (Financial Ombudsman Service) resolves disputes between consumers and solvent firms that have handled matters incorrectly -- it is a dispute resolution service for ongoing firms. If your insurer declines a claim but is still trading, use the FOS. If your insurer collapses, use the FSCS.
Are panel insurer products (Post Office, John Lewis, Sainsbury's) FSCS protected?
Yes, provided the underwriting insurer is FCA-authorised. Post Office Ltd (FRN 630318) and John Lewis Financial Services (FRN 416584) act as intermediaries -- the actual insurance risk is underwritten by a third-party FCA-authorised insurer. That underwriter's FCA authorisation provides the FSCS protection. Ask the intermediary to confirm the underwriter's name and FRN if it is not stated in your policy documents, as the FSCS protection flows from the underwriter, not the intermediary.
Primary sources (no secondary sources cited)
- FSCS -- What We Cover: Insurance (primary source)
- FCA Register -- verify insurer FRN and authorisation
- FSCS -- All Protection Limits
- Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000)
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