Insurance for ex pub

Kyle42

First post so go gently, it is an interesting one.

I have bought a pub that has been closed for 11 years. I intend to change of use to residential but need to get buildings insurance. There is no intention running it as a pub, but purely go for a quick change of use that I have been told will not be an issue.

Trouble is what insurance do I get. Pub insurance is very expensive, as expected, as its for a running pub, and really unnecessary. Would residential insurance cover it ?

Thanks in advance

K

InsideInsurance

What work is going to be done on it to convert it from a pub to a purely residential property? How long will it be unoccupied?

In general home insurance would be what you require however if it is unoccupied for more than 30 days (generally) or if there is major renovations going on then standard home insurance isnt suitable.

Probably in the first instant speak to a local broker (not swintons) and they can advise on what you need

Kyle42

No major renovations necessary, just conversion of rooms and removing pub paraphernalia. New kitchen and bathrooms and a new garage. It won't be left empty full stop as we intend living there whilst we renovate.

I have spoken to a few brokers and they all seem confused and can't give me an answer so decline.

As far as I see, its my home, its not a business, it was a house before it was a pub so it is designed to be a house........

InsideInsurance

Are you talking to "proper"/ traditional local brokers or mass market brokers like Swinton, The AA, Budget etc? I'd be surprised that a traditional broker cannot help, rarely is there a situation that they cannot find some form of policy unless its illegal to write that sort of policy.

Alternatively speak to direct insurers over the phone and if they say they are happy with it then note name and time when you buy just in case there are problems in the future.

Final option would be to speak to Towergate, not a recommendation, as they do a fair amount of non-standard construction, renovation policies as well as business if thats whats needed

ACG

A decent broker should be able to sort something out for you, i agree with inside insurance, forget the big names go to a more smaller broker. We use one down south and they've insured everything for us - from windmills to carboots (as in the event, not part of the car).