Insurance company says, No!

naturegirl_2

I took out landlord insurance and have recently found a tenant not only left without paying two months rent but stole most of the contents of the house too. My insurance company now says they would only pay out if the theft had been through a break in through forced entry!!!!! What was the point in taking out special insurance if the one situation that could happen isn't covered by landlord insurance.

dacouch

The majority of landlord and predominantly the cheaper ones exclude theft or vandalism by the tenant. This is because it's quite common as you have found.

Is it possible for you to take the ex tenant to court for the damages, did you take references

kingstreet

Presumably your landlord's insurance is buildings insurance, not contents cover?

Did you have the tenant take out contents cover which also covered your property?

naturegirl_2

The tenant did a runner and can't be found. I used a Letting Agent who I assume did all the correct checks!!!!
Is there no way I can get anything out of the insurance company then?
thanks for replies

dunstonh

Is there no way I can get anything out of the insurance company then?

No. They publish their criteria and if they say they wont cover it unless there is forced entry then they wont cover it. As mentioned, this is a common exclusion on budget/basic plans.

Quentin

All you can do is check the policy wording regarding conditions for theft cover to make sure they have rejected your claim correctly.

If this is not the case, and you see you are covered, then escalate your claim. Otherwise, insurance is out, so hope the police catch the theif!

naturegirl_2

I managed to get the deposit back from the letting agent which helps. What is worrying is when I've talked to people about this situation I was surprised to find how many people have had tenants who disappear and steal the contents of the house with apparently no come back and the insurance companies never pay up. I was paying £250 a year which I don't think is cheap. I'd urge anyone who is thinking of renting out their house to double check the insurance, agents and references of tenants, don't leave it up to the agent as mine was rubbish.

dunstonh

What is worrying is when I've talked to people about this situation I was surprised to find how many people have had tenants who disappear and steal the contents of the house with apparently no come back and the insurance companies never pay up.

Which is why there is landlords insurance as the needs and risks are very different.

I was paying £250 a year which I don't think is cheap.

That isnt much at all. Realistically, you cannot expect residential home insurance pricing and get quality cover. Something needs to give.

Money_maker

Above post is :spam::spam::spam::spam:

Meadows

naturegirl wrote: »

I was paying £250 a year which I don't think is cheap.

That seems very cheap to me for Landlords insurance, I would expect that for basic home owner insurance (contents only, with accidental damage that only covers for the people on the policy living in the house and not a third party). Are you sure you have the right cover for a Landlord and that you are covering for theft and damage by a tenant (if that is insurable) also is this insurance building, contents or both?

Faith177

Wow that is cheap my personal home insurance is over £600 a year!