House insurance policy holder no longer lives here

MsTel

Hi, here's the situation. My partner and I have recently separated, and he has moved out of the house (which we jointly own), while I am continuing to live here with our teenage son. My partner is the policy holder for the buildings and contents insurance, with myself listed as an occupant. I am wondering if it's ok to let this continue and simply take out new policies in my own name when his lapse next year, thereby avoiding a cancellation fee? Or would any claim I might have to make in the meantime be denied because the policy holder no longer lives here? Any advice welcome!

InsideInsurance

You need to check what the situation is with the insurance as I've never heard of a policy where you list "occupants". I would suspect that it is a joint policy in which case it should be simple to remove him as a policyholder and is unlikely to cause many problems if you fail to do so (though technically could).

If it is purely in his name then you would have problems in the case of a claim as it will require the policyholder to live at the address for the insurance to be valid plus you'll be unable to deal directly with the insurer yourself

MsTel

Thanks for your advice! That's made it clearer.

jonesMUFCforever

If he is the sole policyholder any claim would have to be done by him - any payout would go to him.

*Scarlett

I would inform the insurer of the change in circumstances. They might be able to do an adjustment to the policy. This may have a fee - check your policy book but it's possibly £25ish.

Most insurers require that the policy holder is a permanent resident of the home but if circumstances change they should be able to amend the policy - ie if a spouse died they can transfer the policy to the other person.

If you are not named on the policy as a joint proposer then you might have issues getting this sorted yourself. Data protection resticts who the insurer will talk to about the policy - you might need to ask your partner to speak to them.

MsTel

Thanks jonesMUFCforever and *Scarlett! As per advice, partner is going to contact the insurers and get it sorted.

rs65

If you are joint owners of the house, and unmarried, I would suggest you should be joint policyholders as you both have an interest. Less important if you are married - it could be either of you but preferrably you in your circumstances.

If none of the contents are now his then you should be the contents policyholder.

MsTel

That certainly makes a lot of sense, rs65. Thanks!