Insuring my Studio Apartment

matski

Would appreciate if someone could help me out.

Basically I am renting a studio flat on a ground floor, the house has been converted into 3 flats in total.

I want to get contents insurance for just my flat so I am guessing that I am correct in just putting it as a 1 bedroom flat when filling out the forms?

Also the front door has a key-operated multi point locking system however the actual handle is missing. So its literally just the key operated lock on the front and a knob on the back you twist to unlock (hope this makes sense). It locks itself when you close the door so It does seem pretty safe. I am concerned that as the handle is missing that it could null my cover, am I right in thinking this?

Would appreciate any help you can give!

Thanks,
Matt.

cathpalmer

Hi

Most insurers have a category for studio flat or single room dwelling so look for that. If it is not available then yes declare it as 1 bedroom flat but before paying for cover, phone the company to make them aware that it's a studio flat - it might make it cheaper.

The 5 lever mortice deadlock can only be declared as in place if it is fully operational so in your circumstances it isn't. Declare standard locks instead - you'll find it doesn't make much difference to the policy price.

Finally make sure you look at the endorsements - you may find that they state that they will only pay for burglary and theft claims id the 5 lever lock was in place and someone used force to enter/ break in.

Use an aggregate site online to obtain the best price thrn phone to take out the policy - if you buy online entirely any mistakes made are your fault!

matski

Thank you so much cathpalmer! that's a massive help and I will ensure I call them to go over these issues as you said.

InsideInsurance

cathpalmer wrote: »

The 5 lever mortice deadlock can only be declared as in place if it is fully operational so in your circumstances it isn't.

Multipoint locking system is different to a 5 lever mortice deadlock and so you cannot chose this response. In most cases the two receive the same prices but it would be wrong to declare it as a mortice lock.

The fact the door handle is missing makes no difference as long as you can still actually lock the door with the key (outside)/ knob (inside). Certainly with our door you cannot actually lock it without the door handle (though you can unlock it and open it without)

cathpalmer

I have just spoken to the underwriter I work for with regard to the above comment.

They have said that the door handle being broken would be an issue in this circumstance as because it is missing it is not operating fully as designed/intended by the manufacturer.
However, because the lock is still working, you would still be classified as having an acceptable key locking door - but not necessarily a multi point locking system. (Basically the underwriters said that they would not be prepared to give a discount on a policy for any form of multi point locking system if it wasn't complete even if the internal mechanism was still in tact).

Once you have a quote you're happy with, speak to the insurers and make them aware of it. Then you've covered all bases!