Renting - copy of contents insurance required.

Eliza_2

I've just been sent details of a house to rent, and in the particulars the agent insists that they require a copy of your contents insurance. I've never come across this before - is it now mandatory to have contents insurance? Why is it anything to do with the agent? I haven't any and don't intend to unless I buy something expensive or that I can't manage without.

Is this a normal condition if renting through an agent?

Thanks

Guest101

Is it furnished?

Either way, you purchase some a few days before you sign the tenancy, and then cancel as per the distance selling / consumer credit / other cooling off period - rights.

Even if you had the insurance, no-one can make you claim on it.

Eliza_2

Good thinking, thank you! No it's unfurnished.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-23517914.html

Not interested in the property but wondered in general as this might be something I'd have to be prepared for in the future.

Guest101

Strange, I guess they want to cover carpets etc, but thats what the deposit is for...

The estate agent may be 'upselling' a policy too, so what out for the sales pitch

ellie27

Not sure whether it is a normal condition or not but dont know why anyone would NOT insure their contents. We have insured the contents in our rental accom.

Guest101

ellie27 wrote: »

Not sure whether it is a normal condition or not but dont know why anyone would NOT insure their contents. We have insured the contents in our rental accom.

Because some people dont own expensive items which make the excess and the higher premium worthwhile?

Here's a hint: How much have you spent on insurance vs how much you've been paid out?

Kevie192

We had to show ours too because we needed to prove we had insurance for 'landlord's possessions'. I guess it's in case damage is done above and beyond the amount of the deposit.

benjus

If the landlord wants to cover their furniture/carpets/kitchen appliances/whatever they should pay for it themselves as part of their landlord insurance policy.

Getting a contents policy for your own property isn't a bad idea, though - have you tried looking for quotes? I'm paying about £7/month for contents only.

rach_k

Perhaps they have nice carpets/anything else that would cost more than a normal deposit to replace? They could either charge a higher deposit, which might put people off, or they can ask you to get contents insurance which is of benefit to you too and something most people would probably get anyway. I know which I'd rather pay.

Eliza_2

Guest101 wrote: »

Because some people dont own expensive items which make the excess and the higher premium worthwhile?

Here's a hint: How much have you spent on insurance vs how much you've been paid out?

Yep, exactly that! But also it's just the principle - why should I? It should be my choice. In general I think that most insurance policies are just another money making enterprise anyway, I mean, you can insure insurance - what? I just have the one required by law, ie for my car.

Thanks. I'm not interested in this house anyway (though if anyone hears of a scruffy farm cottage type of property in the Lincs Wolds do let me know!) but it's the first time I've seen this while looking so will be prepared in future.

paddyrg

*cough*commission*cough*