Cannot Get House Insurance

Cymraeg · 7th November 2007, 05:20

An elderly relative is now a long term care patient. We have started taking care of her finances,etc. and I have realised that she has no insurance on her property whatsoever. I can accept that contents insurance isn't so essential but I really need to find buildings insurance of some sort.
This is proving to be a difficult case. I've been thru a few comparison websites with no joy. I've even tried phoning some companies direct to no avail (you'd think certain companies who specialise in products for 'over 50's' would be more sympathetic wouldn't you?) .
Does anyone know of any insurer who would take on buildings insurance for a property that is unoccupied for more than the 60 days rule ? I would be extremely grateful for any help/knowledge on this.

beccus · 7th November 2007, 10:37

It may be worth talking to a broker about it, they can then give you an idea of who to try.
Becca

harrythehawk · 7th November 2007, 16:51

Yes, try a local broker, they will know the right market for this kind of risk and place it for you, would SAGA be able to assist ?

LemonTwist · 7th November 2007, 19:29

Yes, I agree with the 2 previous responses. The price comparison websites are usually no good for non-standard situations like this, as there is no-where on the form for you to explain the situation, so you need to talk to an actual person.

majorclanger100 · 7th November 2007, 22:02

Hi Cymraeg,

Certainly agree that your best route is a broker.

I work as a commercial underwriter and generally there is no problem insuring unoccupied buildings (especially private dwelling houses). As a minimum you will face an unoccupancy condition on the policy (draining down the water system, turning off the electrics, inspecting the house regularly, clearing junk mail, etc). Some insurers will restrict material damage cover to Fire, Lightning, Aircraft & Explosion only, but your broker should be able to find an insurer who can offer full cover at a decent rate.

Good luck

MC

Cymraeg · 13th November 2007, 06:35

Tried local brokers ,but they weren't too good....."oooh,that's a tricky one" so went thru the AA who were much better. Got it sorted but at a higher price , which I was expecting. On a few comparison sites it was coming in at £60 to £80 ish for a year but ended up with £240 for the higher risk.
Thanks for the tips folks.

beccus · 13th November 2007, 12:20

Hi Cymraeg, glad you got that sorted

Thanks for letting us know too.

B

majorclanger100 · 13th November 2007, 14:15

Glad to hear it's sorted Cymraeg

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