Policy Expert - very angry

Daisy_Dumpling

I'm so angry I could cry.:mad:

Our house insurance is with Policy Expert and I contacted them to say building work was about to start on our house as we are having an extension built. The chaps started this morning. I've just had a call from Policy crap-for-brains who say my insurance is being cancelled as they can't insure me while building work is taking place.

Am I the only person in the country extending their house? Have they never come across this before? I have 14 days to find insurance.

Has anyone else come across this? Any help would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Daisy

dunstonh

It is not an uncommon exclusion. Tends to be more common on the budget plans.

At least they have given you 14 days to arrange an alternative.

InsideInsurance

As above, its not uncommon for major works not to be covered because of the increased risks of fire, inability to secure the property etc. There are specialist products that do cover houses undergoing renovations/ extensions etc

*Scarlett

It would be normal that an insurer would impose terms / exclusions whilst building works are being done.

I'm not sure it's normal to cancel a policy. But you would need to check the t&cs in your docs.

When did you take this policy out? Some insurers will not take new business if major building works are planned.

You are in a situation now that you may need to try a specialist insurer or a local broker.

http://www.homeprotect.co.uk/

https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/household-insurance/

If you feel that Policy Expert have not treated you fairly then go through their complaints procedure and you can escalate your issue.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/

Clive_Woody

We just finished our extension. When it started I called our insurers (Aviva) and they added a clause about any theft from the property not being covered while the house was not secure but otherwise was no problem. I called them back when the build was finished and the clause was removed.

Possibly not directly related but make sure that your builder has suitable cover in place to cover their work in case they cause any problems.

Daisy_Dumpling

Thank you for you replies.

I've spoken to a broker who reports that the people he has spoken to have never heard about a policy being cancelled before. Usually, as the last post said, they will just add a clause about theft during the time of the works.

I'm at a bit of a loss now to be honest. No one seems willing to insure us!

I'm awaiting a call back from a manager at policy expert to explain their position.

Thanks for your help

Daisyx

InsideInsurance

Doesnt sound like a very good broker if they arent able to find you an appropriate policy, especially as they claim to have had no problems in doing the same in the past!!

Speak to another broker, not Swintons, and they will be able to sort something out for you.

Alternatively a quick google throws up many brokers explicitly marketing to those having extensions/ major work/ renovations eg http://www.bickersinsurance.co.uk/property-renovation-insurance.html (not a recommendation)

Daisy_Dumpling

Things get even more bizarre. The person from Policy Expert says that anyone who is insured by Primo - who our policy is/was actually with - won't insure anyone having a two story extension built as they are dangerous!

I'm beginning to think I've wandered into Wonderland!

dacouch

Daisy_Dumpling wrote: »

Thank you for you replies.

I've spoken to a broker who reports that the people he has spoken to have never heard about a policy being cancelled before. Usually, as the last post said, they will just add a clause about theft during the time of the works.

I'm at a bit of a loss now to be honest. No one seems willing to insure us!

I'm awaiting a call back from a manager at policy expert to explain their position.

Thanks for your help

Daisyx

It's not that unusual for an Insurer to want to come off cover eg cancel a policy when there are major structural works being carried out especially when it means the property is insecure.

The theft clause is not the only clause typically added, there's often a clause excluding storm damage whilst the property is not watertight and often exclusions relating to liability that should be carried by the builder.

It's not at all uncommon for major fires to be started during building work especially whilst roofing or plumbing work is being undertaken. On occassions the Home Insurers can end up footing the bill when they shouldn't have to.

When there's a new structure being added to an existing structure it can become complicated and a good builder would normally issue a JCT contract ascertaining what damage the builder is and is not responsible for along with which parts of the structure eg new and / or existing they're liable for. Some Insurers don't like the hassle of reading through the JCT contract so would rather decline

Daisy_Dumpling wrote: »

Things get even more bizarre. The person from Policy Expert says that anyone who is insured by Primo - who our policy is/was actually with - won't insure anyone having a two story extension built as they are dangerous!

I'm beginning to think I've wandered into Wonderland!

As I and other posters have mentioned, it's not that unusual for Insurers to not want to cover properties when structural work is being carried out. As you've discovered the vast majority of Insurers will not touch new customers in these circumstances