Insurance renewal.,

Devilspointswimmer

My 92 year old mum has building insurance from saga. She has a claim for cracks caused by building movement, which the company have agreed, and she is awaiting the work to be completed by their approved company. So the claim is settled, but the work not completed yet. 

Her insurance renewal is due in September. The annual payment this year was £590. The quote, for the next 3 years is £7,500 per year. A 1171% increase! Needless to say, no other company will offer a quote until the work is completed. 

Is this something an ombudsman would look into? Or is perfectly normal practice? Apart from simply not insuring the building until the work is completed what other options do we have? 

Browntoa

It's normal practice

Is there any reason given for the building movement ? This could affect the premium increase 

Devilspointswimmer

Although the house is 8n a subsidence area, it was underpinned about 30 years ago but the movement is not due to subsidence. They are saying it’s due to a leaking drain affecting the clay subsoil.

dunstonh

Devilspointswimmer said:

Although the house is 8n a subsidence area, it was underpinned about 30 years ago but the movement is not due to subsidence. They are saying it’s due to a leaking drain affecting the clay subsoil.

I suspect it is a cumulation of issues.  Lots of people have movement and insurers are generally more relaxed with it.  Your mum has had subsidence AND movement.

What was the grading on the movement.    Upto grade 3 on the scale, that is classed as cosmetic.  Higher than that and the insurers take more of a dislike.