House Insurance renewal quote - cracks in walls?

Kevin123_2

I am in the process of renewing my buildings and contents insurance and the online comparison sites are providing quotes that are c20% cheaper than my renewal. My current insurer won't haggle. When I get transferred from the comparison sites to the insurer sites, there is a question about whether there are any cracks or bulging etc in the walls. Most houses, including mine, have some minor cracks in the walls. If I answer 'yes', the premium goes through the roof. I don't want to answer 'no' in case it causes problems should there be a need to claim in the future. Any thoughts? Thanks

dacouch

What sort of cracks are the? Are they diagonal cracks from your door frames?

Kevin123_2

Hello

Thanks for the quick response.

I'm confident that the cracks are nothing to worry about. We actually raised it with our current insurer a few years ago - they sent out a surveyor who said nothing to worry about. What I am really getting at is, do I answer 'no' on the basis that there are cracks but an expert has confirmed they are Ok?

Incidentally, we have a written report from the surveyor and our insurer has confirmed it has not been treated as a claim.

Thanks for your help.

dacouch

From the info you have given us I cannot give you an exact answer.

If you don't declare the cracks and you later need to claim and they turn out to be cracking consistant with subsidence (Often diaganal cracks from door and window frames) then there is a chance they could refuse the claim.

If the claims are nothing to do with subsidence and just normal settlement cracking then you normally do not need to declare the cracking.

If your not sure why not try answering no to cracks and then ring the Insurer up and explain your circumstances fully. If they agree there is no problem then it should be ok. (As normal make a note of the persons name and date / time of call. I personally would also send a letter to the Insurer confirming the conversation just to make 100% sure).

Kevin123_2

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

dacouch

Have a read of this link as it may help

http://www.abi.org.uk/Display/default.asp?Menu_ID=1140&Menu_All=1,946,1140&Child_ID=405