Buildings insurance -policy invalid

urban1203

I had taken out buildings insurance in 2004 for my new property. In 2005 i moved jobs abroad an rented out the appartment. I continued to pay the monthly premiums and renewals not thinking that my change in job abroad would affect the buildings insurance. When I called them in January 2010, to discuss the high premiums, barlcays insurance told me my insurance was void i as i was no longer a UK resident since 2005. So if there had been any need to make a claim it would have been rejected. So the policy was invalid

So now my question is, can I go back to barclays and demand they pay me back from the date the insurance was void when i left the UK. In effect i continued to pay monthly insurance premiums for a policy that was void for 5 years!! Or was it my fault for not telling them originally of my change in circumstance so I can not claim back.

Thanks for any comments

crusty_toenail

You can't get your money back, as this is a 'material fact' you should have told them of any changes, check your policy wording:rotfl:

dogbot

As above, you should have told them. There are three issues, a change in job, the fact you were not a UK resident and the fact you were letting the property out. You had a positive duty in both common law and under the insurance contract to notify them of any changes and you didn't so sadly I doubt you will get anything back.

You can ask though - given the breach in conditions of cover are so great they would never have had to pay out they might see your point, but i wouldn't hold my breath.

You really need to find a landlords policy to cover the property if you are still letting it out.

urban1203

Just to follow up on original thread. I wrote a letter to Barclays (despite the useless advice from "crusty toe nail") and they have agreed to pay back the invalid premiums since Dec 2005 !!

So the advice is - its does not hurt to ask. You never know.

Now I have £1900 back in my account !!!!! ££££££££££££

Happy ending :j

urban1203

thanks for your negative response...however thank god i went ahead despite that and I received my full money back from Barclays