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Submit plansI have a wooden house which has been repaired and renovated and was covered by self build insurance which is due to run out. I'm having problems getting house insurance from the main insurers, do you have any suggestions?
Hi Carl,
Thank you for your question – it will be answered in the next edition of Build It magazine, available from 18th August!
Best wishes,
Elinor
Comparison sites generally only deal with standard risks, which is why your property isn’t showing up. You need to approach specialist insurers who understand non-standard construction and period risks (try Intelligent Insurance and Stanhope Insurance).
When approaching specialist insurers, be prepared to discuss the changes you’ve made – specifically the gypsum plaster and fibre cement cladding – as these are positive steps that mitigate some of the original perceived risk. You should ask them specifically about coverage for ‘non-standard construction’ or ‘high-risk’ properties. If you use an insurance broker, they can access markets that aren’t directly available to the public, which is often where you find the best niche cover for properties like yours.
Key terms to look out for are ‘period’ or ‘specialist property insurance.’ Ensure they understand that the original Protek renovation policy is expiring. A good broker will guide you through the necessary documentation to satisfy the underwriter’s requirements for a property that has seen significant modernisation.
Simon Middleton, Protek