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Beware direct line landlord insurance & oil CH

Just received policy documents from DirectLine for Business, for Residential Landlord Insurance. Had to cancel prior to start date when I noticed that they only cover:

where "..heated only by gas central heating, electric storgae, or fixed gas or electrical appliances".

Our property is heated by oil central heating, like 1 million other homes in the UK. I phoned to check that they were ok with this. However they said that the policy would not provide any cover!! Incredulous I asked the initial person to check with a team leader who confirmed - no cover for properties with oil CH.

I had spent quite some time checking the Exclusions in the policy documents and key facts. There is no mention of this huge exclusion anywhere in the policy document - you have to notice it on the last page of the Statement of Fact!

Even worse the section on "What is included..." includes Loss of Heating Oil up to maximum of £5,000. That would be the heating oil that one is kindly using to heat up the neighbour's property?:wink:

Direct Line is inconsistent in its policy vs statements of fact, but at least very clear on the phone that if you have oil CH you should go elsewhere.

Disclaimer: This was specific to direct line Landlord Insurance. However if you have home insurance with them and you have oil central heating please check your cover before you need to claim!

Arfon

Comments

  • Astaroth
    Astaroth Posts: 5,444 Forumite
    edited 29 January 2010 at 3:40PM
    I should learn to read better
    All posts made are simply my own opinions and are neither professional advice nor the opinions of my employers
    No Advertising or Links in Signatures by Site Rules - MSE Forum Team 2
  • dogbot
    dogbot Posts: 1,062 Forumite
    The OP says it was on their SOF? It sounds like it might be linked to some other factor - maybe the age of your building or something?

    This is what happens when you buy direct of course - maybe try a good local broker who can also provide you with advice?
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The Statement of Fact is the correct place to put that the home is not heated by oil. Insurers do not generally list in their policy wording what type of construction etc of home they do not cover.

    It is important to read the proposal form / statement of fact
  • NewSu
    NewSu Posts: 5 Forumite
    I was browsing this as I am about to renew my Landlord insurance so firstly, thank you for this valuable tip. I do have Directline Home Insurance Plus for my family home & contents. This cover DOES remain valid when oil fired heating is used in the property with the exception that the boiler & heating are not covered by the emergency assistance section - all other matters remain covered such as electrical, plumbing etc. Hope that saves someone else a call!
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