Home insurance (kotivakuutus) in Finland covers your own belongings against things like fire, water damage and theft, and it usually includes liability insurance for damage you cause to other people. Most landlords require tenants to have it, so plan to buy it before you move in.
Why you probably need it
InfoFinland says that in Finland, most landlords require you to take out home insurance when you rent a home. Insurers say the same. If notes on its Finnish site that landlords usually require tenants to have home insurance, and that all its home insurance policies include the liability and legal expenses cover that landlords ask for.
Even if your lease doesn't ask for it, think about what it would cost to replace everything you own after a fire or a leak.
What home insurance covers
Policies differ, so always read the terms. As an example, If's home insurance for a flat or terraced house covers:
- Your movable property: furniture, household appliances, electronics and bicycles.
- Theft and burglary: including vandalism and robbery.
- Fire, water, electrical and natural hazard damage to your belongings.
- Temporary accommodation if your home can't be lived in after damage.
- Liability insurance and legal expenses insurance.
If also says your belongings stay insured during a move.
What it usually doesn't cover
| Usually covered | Usually not covered |
|---|---|
| Belongings damaged by fire or a water leak | Normal wear and tear |
| Theft after a break-in | Things you lost or misplaced |
| Damage you cause to someone else (liability) | Damage with an unknown cause |
| Legal costs in some private disputes | The building's structure in a flat |
That last point matters if you live in a flat. If explains that the housing company's own real estate insurance covers structural damage, such as drying out concrete floors. Your home insurance is for your things and your liability.
Liability insurance (vastuuvakuutus)
Liability cover pays when you have to compensate someone else for damage you caused. FINE, the Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau, describes it as cover for situations where you are liable for damage caused to another person or party. It protects you and the family members who live with you.
POP Vakuutus calls liability insurance a key part of home insurance. It also notes that if your landlord asks for a comprehensive home insurance policy, they may expect it to include liability cover.
Legal expenses insurance
Many home insurance policies include legal expenses cover (oikeusturvavakuutus). FINE says it covers legal and litigation costs in certain cases. It is not a general legal fund, so check the terms for what counts.
The deductible (omavastuu)
The deductible is the amount you pay yourself on each claim. POP Vakuutus explains that every claim has a deductible, and it is taken off the compensation for that claim.
With some insurers you choose the deductible. If, for example, lets you pick from a set of deductible levels, and says a higher deductible makes your insurance cheaper. A higher deductible means a lower price, but small claims may not be worth making.
Coverage levels
Insurers usually sell home insurance at several levels. If has three: Basic, Extensive and ExtensivePlus. Its Basic level doesn't cover accidental breakage, while the higher levels cover more sudden and unexpected damage to your belongings. If you own expensive electronics, check which level covers accidental breakage.
Buying home insurance in English
Language matters when you read the terms and when you need to make a claim.
- If sells home insurance for flats and terraced houses online, and its English site lets you calculate a price and buy online.
- POP Vakuutus says on its English page that it currently provides services only in Finnish and Swedish.
- Fennia says its official service languages are Finnish and Swedish. Some routine matters on an existing policy can be handled in a shared language such as English.
You can compare home insurance on Landed to see your options side by side.
When you move
Your insurance doesn't move itself. InfoFinland advises checking that your current insurance, such as home insurance, has enough cover for your new home. Tell your insurer about the move before it happens.
Landed's free checklist includes home insurance among your moving tasks.
Quick checklist
- Check your lease: most landlords require home insurance.
- Make sure the policy includes liability insurance.
- Choose a deductible you could pay comfortably.
- Pick a coverage level that matches what you own.
- Choose an insurer whose service language you can use.
- Start the policy before your move-in date.
- Update your insurer whenever you move.
