Building insurance protects the insured structure and specified fixed features. Contents insurance protects eligible belongings under its own terms. Having one section does not automatically mean you have the other.

What usually belongs to the building

Walls, roof and permanently fitted elements are commonly treated as building items. The exact definition matters for fixtures, fixed equipment and external structures. Check the wording rather than using a casual rule about whether something can be moved.

What usually belongs to contents

Furniture, clothing, appliances and other household belongings are typical contents categories. Limits and exclusions may apply to particular items. Business stock, specialised equipment and valuables can require different treatment.

Value the sections separately

Use an appropriate reinstatement figure for the building and an inventory suited to the contents settlement basis. Avoid one round number that does not show what is allocated to each section. Review both after significant purchases or works.

Landlords and tenants

A landlord’s building policy does not automatically insure a tenant’s personal belongings. Likewise, a tenant’s contents policy does not mean the owner’s building is protected. Each party should confirm its own responsibilities and cover.

Frequently asked questions

Are fitted cupboards building or contents?

Check your policy’s definitions and ask if unclear.

Do contents have the same deductible as the building?

Not necessarily. Check the applicable section and peril.

Discuss your property insurance options

Discounted Premium Ltd can help you understand the available options and request a quotation for your circumstances. Have your property details, intended use and building or contents values ready. Visit us at 42 Cork Street, Roseau, Dominica, or call 235-8294 or 818-7736. Message us on WhatsApp.

Related reading

Property surveyors in Dominica · Protecting household contents

Earlier in this series

What Documents Do You Need for Home Insurance in Dominica? · Do You Need a Property Valuation to Insure Your Home? · How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in Dominica? – 2026 Guide

This article provides general information. Cover, eligibility and claims depend on the insurer’s accepted terms, policy conditions, exclusions, limits and deductibles. Illustrative figures are not quotations or promises of settlement.