Competitive UK home insurance quotes fall 4.4% in a year, but Defaqto data shows the declines slowing

Defaqto's market pricing data tracks the average of the five most competitive quoted premiums for combined buildings and contents cover in the UK. It does not measure all premiums paid. In September 2026 that average was 4.4% below September 2025 and 16.9% below the level two years earlier, Insurance Times reported on 20 October.

Competitive quotes fell 2.4% across the third quarter, but the monthly reductions became smaller: 1% in July, 0.9% in August and 0.4% in September. Defaqto said the slowing pace could mean pricing is starting to stabilise. A price rise in June did not turn into a sustained trend, Actuarial Post reported.

Movements varied widely between providers. Over the 12 months to September, individual insurers' price changes ranged from a cut of 20.2% to an increase of 12.1%.

Defaqto director Stephen Kennedy said weather-related claims, including flooding, storms and subsidence after hot, dry summers, are a particular concern. According to Actuarial Post, he argued that there is a case for premium increases to reflect those pressures and that insurers should check whether their pricing reflects expected claims costs. Defaqto believes prices could level out or begin to rise towards the end of 2026.