How can I arrange insurance when I haven't moved in yet?

Lister_2

We are moving house. I see from these forums that I need to arrange cover on the new house from exchange.

How can I answer the plethora of questions that insurers want without access to the house. Eg Number and types of locks on all doors, alarm type etc?

Do I just put my best guess? This seems very dodgy to me. Also the house is currently unoccupied which seems to rule out many insurers. Are there companies that specialise in such insurance?

lessonlearned

Either arrange a visit to view the house again and take the form with you or contact the Vendor to ask them the appropriate questions.

When I sold my house I gave my purchaser my telephone number and we just did this over the phone.

HappyMJ

I would get a quote based on no locks and no alarm. It'll cover anything then. If you do say you have the best locks and a fully monitored alarm they must always be fully locked and activated when you leave the property for a short time even if just popping next door for a few minutes for any reason.

Lister_2

Thanks both. I'm loath to arrange another visit because it's a probate, so empty, and the EA makes a right song and dance about having to go out and open up. They opened up for us to measure for appliances on Sat and I was literally running around because they only gave us 30 mins, and then the EA was 15 mins late!

Might go down the route of underestimating security for now and then changing policy once in, thanks.

Alter_ego

Surely you only have to arrange buildings insurance? Most of the problem items come under insurance for contents if I remember correctly.

shays_mum

Call your existing insurer & they should cover the new one (mine was free with esure) for about a month, buildings only of course.
After the month was offered buildings only as unoccupied, but there were restrictions such as not covering burst pipes etc.
Once moved in they will swap the insurances around, they even said my premium will go down yay!
HTH

G_M

Lister wrote: »

Thanks both. I'm loath to arrange another visit because it's a probate, so empty, and the EA makes a right song and dance about having to go out and open up.

That's their job. It's what they are paid for. Let them moan all they like - ignore and take your time.

Or give them the option of taking your policy application to the property themselves and completing the relevant questions, AND giving you a written undertaking to make good any loss (ie a claim rejection) if they get anything wrong.

Werdnal

If the property is empty and unoccupied, and you are far enough through the purchase to be organising insurance, would they allow you to collect the keys, let yourself in to do the necessary checks, then return the keys afterwards?

marathonic

Agree with the advice on telling them you've no alarm. It makes an insignificant difference to your premium and, come claim time, you won't need to prove that the alarm has been serviced annually since originally fitted.

Regarding the locks, I'm sure this probably makes a more significant difference to the premium.

Don't forget to go through TopCashBack or Quidco when arranging the insurance. PM me if you want more information on this.

kingstreet

In some areas, minimum levels of security are compulsory, so the insurer may demand 5 lever mortice locks on final exit doors and key-operated window locks be fitted and working at all times.

Check the insurer's requirements before contracting with them. Don't forget to abide by any unoccupancy requirements and ensure the rebuild cost is met at the very least.

shays_mum

Was not asked about alarm etc, was asked about double glazing locks etc as mentioned by kingstreet. Would not worry, talk to your existing insurer & explain the situation, sure they will be more than happy to help.