Insurance is unsexy and routinely underprioritised. It's also what prevents single bad events from financially devastating households. Most adults are under-insured in specific predictable ways — knowing which gaps to close is high-leverage.
Insurance that matters most
Income protection (replaces income if unable to work due to illness or injury). Critical illness cover (lump sum on diagnosis of serious illness). Life insurance if you have dependents. Adequate building and contents. Travel insurance for any non-Schengen trip.
Insurance that's often overdone
Extended warranties on consumer electronics. Mobile phone insurance (often included with bank account). Loan protection insurance bundled with credit products (often poor value). Pet insurance on healthy animals (depends — varies by case).
Spend 30 minutes once yearly reviewing your insurance coverage. Most under-insured adults can fix the major gaps for £30-80/month total — meaningful insurance against catastrophic outcomes.