Garden Log Cabin Insurance

windd38

Hi

We have a log cabin in the garden that has power and water connections. I was previously advised by my house insurance that it would be covered but once I confirmed it had amenities they will no longer insure it.

Can anyone recommend somewhere I can get insurance for it? It cost £10k to get it in place so I don't want anything to happen to it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

dacouch

What is it used for ?

windd38

Originally we lived in it while our house was renovated but now it is used as a utility room with washing machine etc and as a summer house.

dacouch

I think the person at your Insurers did not know what they are talking about (It's not uncommon with call centres), try ringing again in the week and ask for a superviser, be polite and explain it is a domestic outbuilding. Remind them that it is not uncommon to have utilities in a garage and that sheds and even garages are often wooden built

(If you were running a business from it, then some insurers would have a problem with it)

Can you post back when they have confirmed it's covered as it may help MSE members in a similar situation who view your post at a later date.

If they still refuse, post back which insurer it is and we can look through there policy for their definition of an outbuilding.

windd38

Thanks for the advice.

The lady I originally spoke to said that she had checked with their underwriters and because it had a kitchen/bathroom set up in it that it was considered a seperate dwelling. I did explain that it was only used as a garden building but she wouldn't take it further.

Will try again tonight and see what comes back.

mikey72

It's the bathroom that causes the problem, also the same if you tell them it has a sleeping area. (If by kitchen you mean a proper kitchen with cooker etc, again, it will be difficult)

It is a seperate dwelling, and planning permission is required for it.

windd38

The cabin has more of a utility room e.g. a sink and washing machine - no cooker.

The bathroom has toilet, sink and shower.

It did have planning permission as a garden cabin with ammenities but no one actually lives in it. It is used soley as a utility room and and spare loo the majority of the time.

My main concern is if it caught fire and we had nothing left.

What am I supposed to class it as for insurance purposes - my current insurer won't insure as a seperate dwelling as it is made of wood?

Any help would be appreciated.

mikey72

It is a seperate dwelling.
There are insurers that do insure wooden dwellings, I would suggest using a broker that deals with this type of building.
The seperate dwelling is a good point, depending on the size it could be converted into an entirely seperate house, if you do it correctly.

windd38

I have been back to my insurance company and explained what I use it for and that it isn't suitable for habitation (there is no insulation etc) and they have agreed it is actually covered within my buildings insurance.

Thanks for your help - great to get a positive result. :j