Gap in House Insurance

DianeMW

Hi,
I think I've dropped a massive clanger - realised I hadn't had a renewal reminder for my home insurance (buildings and contents) so checked my papers and bank statement to see when last payment had been taken and can't find any payment for the last 12 months!! - I think I presumed it had been renewed automatically but obviously not.  I've always had insurance and have over 15 years no claims.  I tried today to get a new policy online to start immediately.    As I've not had a policy between 14 June 2019 to 14 June 2020 (still got none), I presumed I'd broken the no claims discount chain so under the question "No Claims Discount" I put I have 0 years.  When completed I chose the quote I wanted, clicked to buy but got the message "Unfortunately, we are unable to provide you with a quote.  However, we have teamed you up with Arthur J. Gallagher who specialises in non-standard  home insurance and have a panel of insurers that may be able to help you".  Does this mean that because I've 'missed' a year I won't be able to get insurance? I'm really worried, can anyone give me advice please?
Thank you,
DianeMW

MovingForwards

It sounds like you clicked the wrong button / answer somewhere unless you have had subsidence, non-standard build, property over a certain value or something else.

Double check your answers as having 0 NCB wouldn't stop you getting insurance.

DianeMW

Thank you for you reply. I re-entered all info and got my insurance.  Apparently as I'd paid in full for my previous policy , it wasn't automatically renewed, if I had paid monthly it would have been.  I've lost all my no claims discount (15 years +).  Havs learnt my lesson 🙄

MovingForwards

Treat it as a blip in life, don't beat yourself up over it. Poo happens.

NCB is neither here nor there with home insurance, it's not like car insurance where it can make a huge difference.

Both my car and home insurance are on a continuous renewal. Paid in full annually. 

Just checked, it has to be continuous for the NCB.

Do you have a calendar at home? If so, write on it a month before when all your insurances are due for renewal, same with MOT, tax, any fixed rates with utilities etc.

TELLIT01

Have you tried calling whoever you were previously insured with and explaining the situation?  As you haven't had any problem in the past 12 months I can't see any reason they wouldn't allow you to take out a new policy.

DianeMW

MovingForwards said:

Treat it as a blip in life, don't beat yourself up over it. Poo happens.

NCB is neither here nor there with home insurance, it's not like car insurance where it can make a huge difference.

Both my car and home insurance are on a continuous renewal. Paid in full annually. 

Just checked, it has to be continuous for the NCB.

Do you have a calendar at home? If so, write on it a month before when all your insurances are due for renewal, same with MOT, tax, any fixed rates with utilities etc.

Thank you - I'm normally on the ball, but won't make that mistake again 😄

DianeMW

TELLIT01 said:

Have you tried calling whoever you were previously insured with and explaining the situation?  As you haven't had any problem in the past 12 months I can't see any reason they wouldn't allow you to take out a new policy.

Hi, yes I rang L&G but they just said I'd have to search for a new policy as the continuity was broken.  I was a bit annoyed as I'd been with them quite a long time - not anymore!

greyteam1959

Unfortunately loyalty is worth nothing these days.