How would I know if special terms have been imposed on another policy?

Gerostopoli

Re the question in the proposal form about having had special terms imposed in the past, how would I know about this? Would it be stated in the policy? In what way is this different from normal underwriting where a higher premium might be charged in certain postcodes, or a higher excess may be imposed in a subsidence or flood prone location?

davidmcn

I think it's only likely to apply after a claim where the insurers say they'll only renew your cover on a certain basis e.g. by imposing a higher excess for a particular type of claim, wanting you to fit extra security, etc (not sure what sort of insurance you're talking about).

You would have been aware of it at the time if it had ever happened, it's not something likely to be buried away in smallprint. No, it doesn't just mean the level of premium.

dunstonh

Normally it is on the schedule.    If it is at a renewal point following a claim the cover letter would usually draw your attention to it or an individual letter after the claim telling you it will happen.  If it is at the start, they would tell you at the start.

Gerostopoli

The question covers the range of personal lines. Some types of insurance like medical or travel don't cover pre-existing conditions. Is that "special terms" and is that relevant information to other insurances like car or house?

davidmcn

Gerostopoli said:

The question covers the range of personal lines. Some types of insurance like medical or travel don't cover pre-existing conditions. Is that "special terms" and is that relevant information to other insurances like car or house?

Excluding pre-existing conditions isn't "special", that's "bog standard".

No, it's got nothing to do with different types of insurance, it'll just be relevant things they want to know about e.g. that a previous buildings insurance policy has excluded subsidence cover.

Gerostopoli

Thanks. That was what I needed to know. I thought the Consumer Insurance (Representation and Disclosure) Act 2012 had mandated clear questions or else a layperson's common sense interpretation of the matter would hold hold sway. But it still seems as hazy as ever.