Where to get all details needed for buildings insurance quote?

scarletjim

I've agreed a purchase price on a new property, and now I want to get a buildings insurance quote - but they all seem to ask incredibly detailed questions that I don't know the answer to (and possibly wouldn't even when I moved in!). Has anyone found a quick way around this? Such as:

Would it be rude to ask for a copy of the policy or application details from the current owners of the property?
Would the estate agent be able to complete all the details? (Doubt it)
Would the details be on the full structural survey (which I will probably have but not 100% sure yet)?
Any other bright ideas?

Thanks to all as always

cattie

It would help if you gave us an idea of what questions they are asking.

EA would be no help to you and there might be some details you need on structural survey report, such as estimated rebuild costs.

Other than that, make a list of questions and go see the vendors to see if they can help you answer them. Some people might be happy to give you a copy of their policy, others won't want to and if the policy is with a different company, they may not be questions they have ever had to answer anyway.

propertyman

Buying a house is detailed and complicated- many of the standard questions are information you should know before buying, and not just because of insurance...

What are you stuck on?

Typically
1: what is being insured describe the house and dont forget fences sheds garages and Victorian follies.

2: Construction- inspect and check agents particulars, and your survey report

3: Age; As above or look at deeds at HMLR/ask solicitor if already instructed.

4: Security eg locks and window/door types, which you can do with a quick visit or phone call

5: Subsidence or Flooding: ask the vendor, refer to the survey or ask Solicitor if local searched on buildings have come back, inspect building regs consents for underpinning works, and contact http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31650.aspx

6: Sum Insured: Refer to your survey or refer to here
http://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/calculator/

7: Claims History Ask the vendor

You can always update the proposal form at a later date when more info comes to light but do check that with the information you will get later that it was accurate.
Don't expect it to come to you, go and get it!

scarletjim

Yes sorry should've given some examples:

Lock types (main doors and patio doors)
Neighbourhood watch area Y/N
Alarm type (I know they have one but don't know which)

There may be more with other firms, that's just using Confused.com as an example. Actually that's not as bad as I thought - when I looked last week I thought there were maybe 8-10 questions I was unsure of.

G_M

Either ask to visit the property and look yourself (ie inspect the alarm/locks etc) or ask the vendors (in person of phone - it's a reasonable request and actually indicates you are a serios buyer who is progressing the purchase!).

Do NOT rely on the estate agent.

If you are getting a mortgage, your lender will do a Valuation survey which will include the 'rebuild cost', for insurance purposes.