Home Contents insurance

[xxbeckyxx]

Sorry if this sounds thick, but how does contents insurance work? I went on confused.com, and it said I could choose accidental cover but most companies already give you this so you don't really need to 'choose' it?
Also, what's a realistic figure for the amount to insure? I added up the 'big things' (bed, sofa, tv, laptop etc) and added on a bit extra for good measure and only got £5000. Now not being funny, if our house went up in flames it would cost much more than £5000 to replace everything wouldn't it???
I'm just a bit stumped on what's 'normal' and what I should expect to pay.
I get that everyone's home is different, but what do you guys pay and for how much cover? If you don't mind telling me x

I've put off getting contents cover for 18 months already because I don't really understand it, but I really ought to have some!

 

[midnight]

mine is covered for 20,000-30,000 thousand

 

[Butterflykisses]

Mine is covered for £30,000. I also put accidental damage on. Have £2,000 for possessions that are taken out of house i.e. laptop, camera - will even cover wedding rings if lost