Renewal of Building Insurance

MABLE

We have been with Nationwide for 13 years for our building insurance and about 9 years ago we had a problem with our drains which resulting in very minor subsidence.

We claimed on our insurance and everything was repaired and a cert issued for that part of the house. However NW changed underwriting about 2 or 3 years ago and our insurance went down. When the renewal came through I tried to get a cheaper quote and at the time I mentioned about the subsidence claim and they said the new underwriters were not aware of this even though still under the NW banner.

They agreed to email the former underwriters to get the details updated. The next day I received a call to say the former underwriters had gone into administration and were unable to get the old records.

However existing underwriters said they would note on my records I made a claim 9 years ago and if there were any further issues they would see I was not penalised.

I just found it surprising they could not just log into some central insurance system and up would come all the information. However they advised me it does not work like that.

BTW I did get a the price down for the next 12 months.

dacouch

The claim would normally be registered on the Claims and Underwriting Exchange which is generally known as C.L.U.E. (This is assuming the underwriter was a member).

http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/

You can obtain a copy of any data they hold on you for a fee of £10. http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/default.aspx#dataprotection

Here is a list of current members

http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/default.aspx#CUE_Subs

When the actual underwriter of a scheme such as Nationwide changes they should transfer over data of subsidence claims as it's important for the policyholder and also for the new underwriter.

I would recommend you keep all the paper work you have about the subsidence claim. You should also ask them to acknowledge in writing that they are aware of the previous subsidence claim. This is important in case there are any future subsidence claims. More importantly if you ever sell the house, the other solicitor will normally want to see any paper work you have and traditionally the buyer will arrange cover with your Insurance provider to ensure they have continued subsidence cover. If you don't have this it can cause problems including causing a delay in exchange / completion while Nationwide look into it before they confirm in writing to the vendors solicitor they will offer cover.

By being belts and braces now it could save you a lot of time and inconvenience at a later date. I've seen sales fall through due to delays for people in your position.

MABLE

dacouch wrote: »

The claim would normally be registered on the Claims and Underwriting Exchange which is generally known as C.L.U.E. (This is assuming the underwriter was a member).

http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/

You can obtain a copy of any data they hold on you for a fee of £10. http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/default.aspx#dataprotection

Here is a list of current members

http://www.insurancedatabases.co.uk/default.aspx#CUE_Subs

When the actual underwriter of a scheme such as Nationwide changes they should transfer over data of subsidence claims as it's important for the policyholder and also for the new underwriter.

I would recommend you keep all the paper work you have about the subsidence claim. You should also ask them to acknowledge in writing that they are aware of the previous subsidence claim. This is important in case there are any future subsidence claims. More importantly if you ever sell the house, the other solicitor will normally want to see any paper work you have and traditionally the buyer will arrange cover with your Insurance provider to ensure they have continued subsidence cover. If you don't have this it can cause problems including causing a delay in exchange / completion while Nationwide look into it before they confirm in writing to the vendors solicitor they will offer cover.

By being belts and braces now it could save you a lot of time and inconvenience at a later date. I've seen sales fall through due to delays for people in your position.

I have asked them to confirm everything in writing. Also do you know how I can find the name of the original underwriters for Nationwide. I have looked on all correspondance and only states Nationwide, Bromley. Tried to phone NW but dept was closed today.

bbk87

Current underwriters for Nationwide are UK Insurance, which is in Bromley. Not sure who they contracted out to previously.

MABLE

UPDATE
I rang NW again today and spoke to a very helpful guy in Customer service.
He was able to contact the former underwriters and get all the information on the original claim and has now been transferred to my file. Also they confirmed they will continue to insure the property for any future new owners.

All this is being put in writing to me so hopefully we will not have any issues if we decide to sell at a later date.

MABLE

UPDATE FINAL

I had a telephone call from their complaints dept yesterday and because of the issues they are sending me a cheque for £50 for the inconvenience.

I hasten to add I never once expected any form of payment and was only interested in getting the matter resolved.