Home insurance costs soar 36% to £213 average amid cost of living crisis

• Home insurance costs rose 36% in the past year amid cost of living crisis, reaching an average of £213

• Contents only policies rose 30% to £74; buildings only rose 29% to £168

• Inflation and high energy bills contributing factors over past 2 years

• Costs highest in Northern Ireland (£309 avg) and lowest in Northeast England (£179 avg)

• Paying annually rather than monthly and bundling contents & buildings coverage can help lower costs