House Insurance

[paulpaulpaul]

Hi can anybody make some reccomendations for specialist insurance companies, I only say specialist as after speaking today to Aviva to try and get a quote for buildings and contents insurance I was informed that as it has more than 7 bedrooms its not within their range and I should try somebody specialising in larger houses, seemed a bit strange to me but there you go ! He seemed to think that all the mainstream usuals would be the same, thanks

 

[Penners]

NFU Mutual seems to be used by quite a few period property owners, and those I know of speak well of the company. There is also a specialist broker who appears on this website: http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_insuring.shtml

 

[AndrewRoberts]

I use NFU Mutual for both my Landrover and House insurance. Although fortunately I have never had to make a claim, they have always been most helpful and there are no hidden extras. For example another insurance company wanted 25 pounds to change the address for my wife's car, NFU will just do it, no question of charging.

 

[citizensmith]

Echo - NFU
3 cars plus house, always friendly, a bit quirky, good value and were fine when I had a bit of a bump in morrisons between my Landy and a VW Passat. Landy 1 (unmarked) passat 0 (stoved in side). :roll:

 

[Flyfisher]

Hmm. I'd like to be able to add a bit of choice to the replies so far but we're with the NFU too. I had the same "too many bedrooms" thing with all the 'usual suspects' I tried. I also used to insure a Land Rover Discovery with NFU but found that they were not competitive for other makes, though that was some time ago so I probably ought to try again some time. They also seem quite good for old tractors - mine is £48 fully comp. :wink:

Claim-wise, I've had no real problems. Mrs FF had a nasty incident when a dog ran out on a country lane and broke a headlight and dented some bodywork. She was so upset that when reversing the car off the road into a farm gateway she scraped the entire length of the car on the gatepost ( :roll: ). The dog subsequently ran off! NFU initially wanted to class the incident as two claims - not good for NCD or excess payments - but a quick phone call to our local office and a chat with an understanding manager soon sorted that out and they paid out as a single claim.

I've also recounted elsewhere how we found ourselves without any jewellery cover after changing some policy details, which only came to light when the diamond fell out of Mrs FF's engagement ring. Again, NFU sorted it all out, allowed us to add restrospective cover, and paid the claim in full.

So, all in all, we're pretty happy with them.

 

[robgil]

self build zone if you are doing major work and have a straw roof.

 

[Baron de Gynes]

We have dedicated Period Property Insurance arranged through the Listed Property Owners Club. It seems very comprehensive...

It's also hideously expensive. Is it worth it? I don't know - you only find out how good your insurance is when you need it, which is rather the point.

 

[Pford75]

Brit will provide cover, but I certainly wouldn't recommend them (v.poor claim experience).

Another worth trying alongside the NFU (which does have a great reputation) is Zurich.....although it would have to be under their 'high net worth' policy...but this is an all in one policy for house(s), contents, cars, pets, staff, boats etc....but may make sense depending on your total policy costs

 

[Penners]

we're with the NFU too. Mrs FF had a nasty incident when a dog ran out on a country lane and broke a headlight and dented some bodywork. ...she scraped the entire length of the car on the gatepost .....we found ourselves without any jewellery cover after changing some policy details, which only came to light when the diamond fell out of Mrs FF's engagement ring. Again, NFU sorted it all out.

So, all in all, we're pretty happy with them.

Could one speculate that they're a bit less enthusiastic about you? :wink:

 

[FamilyWiggs]

we're with the NFU too. Mrs FF had a nasty incident when a dog ran out on a country lane and broke a headlight and dented some bodywork. ...she scraped the entire length of the car on the gatepost .....we found ourselves without any jewellery cover after changing some policy details, which only came to light when the diamond fell out of Mrs FF's engagement ring. Again, NFU sorted it all out.

So, all in all, we're pretty happy with them.

Could one speculate that they're a bit less enthusiastic about you? :wink:

Not to mention all the other NFU policyholders whose premiums go up every time FF or Mrs FF leave the house... :wink:

 

[Flyfisher]

Ahem!
May I be rather ungallant and point out that I, personally, was not involved in either of the incidents described. Indeed, I was not even in the vicinity at the time. I am merely reduced to clearing up the aftermath.

 

[Feltwell]

she scraped the entire length of the car on the gatepost ( :roll: ).

Could be worse FF. I have distinct childhood memories of when my mother scraped the entire length of a car down the side of a van whilst reversing.

It was a Police dog handlers van. The dog was inside and was not happy, to put it mildly.

The Police dog handler was our neighbour.

The car was my Dad's.

It was 4 days old.

He'd paid extra for metallic paint.

 

[Penners]

May I be rather ungallant and point out that I, personally, was not involved in either of the incidents described. Indeed, I was not even in the vicinity at the time. I am merely reduced to clearing up the aftermath.

That's a beautifully expressed and much more erudite version of a phrase that my son-in-law* hears almost every day of the week:

"It weren't me mate - I was nowhere near."

Or as 10CC put it in Good Morning Judge:

I didn't do it, I wasn't there
I didn't want it, I wouldn't dare

* He's a solicitor who does criminal defence work.

 

[Flyfisher]

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Yeah, I was fitted up good an' propa.

 

[MattW]

Hi can anybody make some reccomendations for specialist insurance companies

Depends a bit on value of your contents & nature of cover etc. I was previously using Axa Extra (a broker only product) that happy to have listed houses and have relatively high levels of cover which may be suitable for you. I recently moved however moved to Hiscox (via their website) as the profile of my cover requirements changed.

Hiscox is pretty high end however, so usually isn't cost effective unless values are fairly high (e.g. central london or larger houses outside) and/or you need extended cover (e.g. accidental cover, away from home etc). Others that are good with larger houses are Chubb (broker only) and also L&G have a policy that would work I would imagine. Definitely know that Chubb & Hiscox would cover houses of that size, but am guessing on L&G and Axa btw.

You might be best using a broker on something like this (I used Peter Lole, but ahve no connection with them, to access the broker products) but went direct to Hiscox.

 

[tobydog]

In March 2009 when we bought our 1640's timber frame thatched cottage, NFU were the only insurers offering a comprehensive insurance package at a price that didn't need a second mortgage. Approx. £450 after consideration of their 5 year loyalty scheme. Two years later we are now looking at £800!!!

Two relatively small factors were involved here. The £50k increase in the rebuild cost following some work, and general insurance rate hikes. What has just stung us for another £200 this year was the fact we have a wood burner. Yes, that truly rare commodity in an old cottage!!! It turns out that due to the increase in thatch fires recently, NFU decided to increase the premium for houses with these burner, however, they waived any premium charge for 2010. I didn't even know this so when they asked the question as to whether we had one when I called them, I ended up getting charged. The concern is that if I hadn't called them, would I have been covered in the event of a roof fire?

I only rang them on receipt of renewal details to remind them that my cottage was in fact listed and they explained that a change in computer systems meant certain information had been lost. This is a critical factor in rebuild and, again, would not have been mentioned if I hadn't raised it.

Lastly, it was pointed out to me that because we don't currently have fire retarding panels and other like stuff in the loft, they would not have even have insured us if it wasn't for the fact we were existing customers.

For my sins I work in the insurance industry and am aware of the issues. I still think NFU are one of the best out there but, as with any purchase, PLEASE READ THE SMALL PRINT, especially at renewal time.

 

[paulpaulpaul]

ended up with NFU at £ 1400.00 which was abit of a shock but still the lowest quote I received, Big house big costs I guess !

 

[Penners]

Big house big costs I guess !

Yup - particularly big PERIOD house, big costs. Much higher rebuild valuation.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Ouch to the above English, what a dreadfully awkward style of expression. And another poster posting carp, had we better start reporting them?

 

[Penners]

I've been reporting them all to Simon, Joce. But he's probably getting a bit fed up with hearing from me! Would you feel like reporting this one? Just PM him and include a link to this thread. The above spam also appears on the "Age Of My Property" thread, too. And possibly on others that I haven't spotted.

It really makes me cross - it's like having someone pee through your letterbox. :evil: