Increased insurance premium for a lodger?

dasanderson

Hi

I've just had a lodger moved in today and immediately informed my insurance company, who have now advised me that I must pay an extra £50.30 to remain covered(which I've not yet paid).

I became extremely irate when asked to pay this amount, as I have previously had several lodgers whilst covered by other insurance companies and never been asked for an extra premium when notifying them. The usual response has been to add an endorsement to the policy that 'any claim for theft, must be supported by signs of visible or forced entry' or words to that effect.

I am currently awaiting a callback from a manager in the insurance call centre. I would be grateful if anybody could advise me as to whether it is reasonable and/or legitimate for my insurer to demand this extra payment?

Thanks in advance for any help.

cattie

In my experience it's usual for insurers to charge extra when lodgers are in residence.

It's an extra risk for the company & also for you & to be honest, £1 extra per week to know you're covered whilst sharing your home with a non family member is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Do you have accidental cover with your contents? Only paying the extra for that whilst sharing your home is also a good idea.

dunstonh

Most insurers will either add to the premium or reduce the terms of your cover (for example removing theft unless signs of a forcible entry as you have already experienced).

I would be grateful if anybody could advise me as to whether it is reasonable and/or legitimate for my insurer to demand this extra payment?

its reasonable given the increased risk and legitimate as you want a revision to your policy

dacouch

You've actually been lucky with your last Insurers and your current Insurers as there are a lot of Home Insurers who will not offer cover at all if you have lodgers.

The simple reasons they don't like offering cover or charge more is they get more claims when lodgers are involved. For instance they get more theft and vandalism claims, plus there is a much greater chance you will be sued for someone having an accident in the house eg your lodger as your family and friends tend not to sue if they have an accident in your home.

The other major factor is people do not treat other peoples property with the same respect as their own so there is a bigger chance of a tv being left on, a bath left running etc etc. Its the old which car is the fastest car on the motorway...the rental or courtesy car