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Buildings Insurance - amount to insure for?

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I am just renewing my buildings and contents insurance.

I have a 2 up 2 down stone cottage with a value of about £190,000.

The sum the buildings are insured for is currently £100,000 and my OH insists this is enough to rebuild if the worst happened. I have my doubts but don't really know enough to argue.

In the event of major accidental damage I am assuming there would be cost to make safe, then demolish or part demolish then rebuild. Would you agree that £100,000 is a reasonable figure to insure it for or should I up it?

Would appreciate advice before I go ahead and renew.
Thank you for this site :jNow OH and I are both retired, MSE is a Godsend

Comments

  • *Scarlett
    *Scarlett Posts: 1,760 Forumite
    Many insurers offer an unlimited buildings cover or a high "blanket" cover which means you would be covered for the full rebuild costs.

    Why not get a few online quotes and see who is offering this type of cover. When I had been checking a few weeks ago it didn't seem that the prices were any dearer and you have peace of mind that you have adequate cover.

    Or you could give your current insurer a ring and ask them for advice.

    Your OH may be correct but you might be able to find a policy with additional benefits for alternative accomodation, ground clearance, architect, surveyors fees, etc.
  • JPS29
    JPS29 Posts: 1,607 Forumite
    As above reply really.

    Just insured with Co-op, very competitive and cashback through Quidco. Think the standard amount they give for insured rebuild costs is half a million
  • Muppet81
    Muppet81 Posts: 951 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Thanks for your advice. I will ring my insurers and ask as you suggest.
    Thank you for this site :jNow OH and I are both retired, MSE is a Godsend
  • 10_66
    10_66 Posts: 3,462 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Muppet81 wrote: »
    I am just renewing my buildings and contents insurance.

    I have a 2 up 2 down stone cottage with a value of about £190,000.

    The sum the buildings are insured for is currently £100,000 and my OH insists this is enough to rebuild if the worst happened. I have my doubts but don't really know enough to argue.

    In the event of major accidental damage I am assuming there would be cost to make safe, then demolish or part demolish then rebuild. Would you agree that £100,000 is a reasonable figure to insure it for or should I up it?

    Would appreciate advice before I go ahead and renew.

    You might find THIS link to the Association of British Insurers/Building Cost Information Service rebuilding calculator some help. It only takes a few minutes to go through the process, but should give you a better idea of the correct figure to insure for, rather than just guessing (you have to register and are provided with a password, but it's worth doing).
  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 13,597 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    M&S do blanket cover too. Much easier than trying to second guess how much a house rebuild will cost.
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