Building insurance- flat roof

gnimia

Hi there - first time in this forum so hope this isnt too much of a basic question!
I've just exchanged on a property (ftb) with a flat roof - felt on timber. the felt was last replaced in 2009.
I obviousy need to get my buidlins insurance sorted quickly, but all the quotes i am getting online are either veru high (over £600), or the co wont quote, beacuse of the flat roof/felt issue.
Does anyone know of companies that are good for this kind of issue - or have any advice/support! I might just be doing it wrong!

Cheers in advance

dacouch

Is the entire roof flat or is part of it pitched (At an angle).

If it is only part flat roughly what percentage of the entire roof area does the flat part represent ?

gnimia

thanks dacouch - its all flat - no pitch at all.

dacouch

A 100% flat roof is expensive, the load is typically 100% of the premium and this will be compounded by you being a FTB so having no previous insurance history and I'm guessing being youngish.

The good news is the premiums will reduce over the first few renewals assuming you don't have any claims however they will always be more expensive than a pitched roof.

Try a local broker (Not Swintons) as they will know some Insurers, it might be worth taking a voluntary excess for the first few years as you will receive a big discount on that size premium (The broker should be able to show you the discounts so you can work out the best for you).

The felt be fairly new will often help the broker find a company.

Make sure you read any terms they apply for the flat roof as some Insurers will require the roof to be inspected for damage etc once a year some will require you to do this and record it or use a roofing contractor who may charge you

gnimia

Ok - so I need to steel myself for a major payout - eek!
Sorry for more stupid questions, but would a google search for, say, west london home insurance brokers do the trick, or is there more to it?

dacouch

You can find a broker who is a member of Biba (Brokers who join this organisation tend to be better quality) http://www.biba.org.uk/ConsumerHome.aspx

Or have a look on your local high street, avoid Swintons and Endsleigh if you can