Confused about insurance

[Monkey987]

I am about to complete on a ex council flat which is a leasehold.
This is my first home and I am a bit confused about insurance.
I am paying £50 a month maintenance to the council which includes buildings insurance.
But I am worried what that actually covers.
I have taken out home contents insurance and British gas full home cover for the boiler, pipes, electrics etc.

Is there anything else I need?
What is the leaseholder responsible for and what is actually covered in the building insurance?

You need to see a copy of this specific policy for your flat. They all differ. As an example, some will cover the bath and toilet but some won't, although all would cover damage to a ceiling in the flat below yours in case of flood. But essentially, it's roof, walls and windows.

Thanks for replying I feel a bit out of my depth with all this.
So if my windows need fixing I can call the council and they will fix them?

Sorry, I'm confused. What sort of fixing? If say the latch breaks then that's not related to insurance. That's just a home maintenance responsibility detailed in your specific lease. It might be that they cover the frame but not the pane. I would ask your solicitor.

Insurance covers accidental damage, loss, fire , theft, flooding (internally) but not maintenance or damage due to poor maintenance(ie. Blocked gutter causing damp). Contents are items that would move if you turned the flat upside down.

If you call the council re a window catch you might be waiting a while and they can charge you.