About to exchange, need buildings insurance to include planned renovations

rrtt

Won't be living there but nearby whilst the major renovation work (roof, new wiring, plumbing, CH, replastering, floors, windows, K & Bs) is done, but friend will be house-sitting in adjoining annexe.

Any advice pls? would be much appreciated, thanks.

rrtt

OK, no replies, so will answer this myself in case anyone else is in similar pozzy in future.

Am a Which? member so rang up to book a (free) appointment with Advisor. He rang back about 3 hrs later (you're given an approx time slot).

He advised I ring BIBA (British Insurance Brokers' Assn.) as it's a specialist area. I then spoke with a guy from a firm in Huntingdon who I later checked out on the various Financial Services Register websites. He said that there are basically only about 3 insurers who do this sort of cover (renovation of old house whilst non-resident). NFU who I found to be useless, as they wanted hard-copy forms filling in which they had to send, this would have taken days, and I could need cover within 48 hrs. Another one came in at £1750 for the 6 month period! 3rd one will be going with - Gresham Underwriting Ltd in Kent - £750 - but cover is via brokers only, who will handle everything. They are on the FS register and check out OK as far as I can see.

DaftyDuck

Got to speak up for NFU. I've used them regularly for empty houses being refurbished, and they have always been helpful and flexible. They are also generally good value.