Home insurance cancellation

Joey18

I renewed my home insurance through a comparison website. When I received the schedule I noticed that I must have made an error in the application regarding omitting a previous claim. When I contacted the company to correct this error I was informed that as my policy had not started and that they were a low risk company, they would be cancelling my policy due to this previous claim. They do not cover anyone with a previous claim. This was a genuine mistake on my part.
I am now having problems getting a new policy because I have to say I have had insurance cancelled or refused. Can I do anything about this. Have had insurance for 40yrs with no problems!

songface

I'd like to get some similar advice too - I am trying to get contents insurance for the first time ever, but because I was broken into a year ago (in a different house, and without any insurance claim), I am being turned down due to not meeting 'underwriting criteria'. My laptop was stolen and some jewelery, so the total cost was approx $1200.

I don't want to lie about never having been the victim of a theft, but I don't know how to get insurance! It was a different house, different suburb, different housemates - and we weren't even insured!

*Scarlett

song face - burglary even if not claimed for within the last 12 months may exclude mainstream insurers.

There are specialists that you can try

http://www.homeprotect.co.uk/insurance-for-all/claims-history

Have you tried speaking to insurers directly rather than online. As it was an incident at another address that was never claimed for they might cover.

forgotmyname

songface wrote: »

I'd like to get some similar advice too - I am trying to get contents insurance for the first time ever, but because I was broken into a year ago (in a different house, and without any insurance claim), I am being turned down due to not meeting 'underwriting criteria'. My laptop was stolen and some jewelery, so the total cost was approx $1200.

I don't want to lie about never having been the victim of a theft, but I don't know how to get insurance! It was a different house, different suburb, different housemates - and we weren't even insured!

This is a UK site. Are you in the US? Your insurance rules and terms will differ to us in the UK.

whatmichaelsays

I don't think you would have to declare a cancellation in this instance.

Insurers specifically ask you to check the documents they send and report any errors, which you did before the policy came into effect.

Your policy hasn't been cancelled for breach of terms or contract, which is a big problem. Instead, your policy was 'cancelled' because you do not meet their underwriting criteria, which is a perfectly acceptable reason for cancellation. Lots of people are declined insurance, or refused quotes, for this reason.

bryanb

Your policy was not cancelled if it hadn't started.

Joey18

Thanks guys. I would have thought the same as you but I have found out otherwise.
Have been refused insurance by several companies when I phoned to explain and clarify. Was informed it did count as a cancellation!!
So a simple honest mixed tick in a box is causing me lots of problems.
Seems very unfair as I was only being honest with them in the first place.
Looks like this will now be carried forward with me when I try to get insurance in the future.
Eventually. Did get cover with an independent company who did not think it was a problem, but of course it is more expensive.

suicidebob

You weren't being honest - you lied on the application.

Though, it's obviously only a complete coincidence that said lie could have resulted in you benefitting financially.

Joey18

This will come as a shock to an obvious cynic like yourself, suicidebob.
But some of us do make and own up to genuine mistakes! Why would I have phoned them to point out my error if I was trying to defraud anyone!
Was looking for some genuine advice when I posted, not abuse. Will not make that mistake again.

SuperHan

suicidebob wrote: »

You weren't being honest - you lied on the application.

Though, it's obviously only a complete coincidence that said lie could have resulted in you benefitting financially.

Not really, it's of no benefit if you tell the truth before making a saving.

It in fact appears that the lie cost the OP money, just because they did the right thing!

suicidebob

SuperHan wrote: »

Not really, it's of no benefit if you tell the truth before making a saving.

It in fact appears that the lie cost the OP money, just because they did the right thing!

Yeah, it's not as if people should be rewarded for lying...