"Special insurance for tenants"?

beckstrous

Hi there,

This is my first post, although I've been reading this site a fair bit.

I've done a quick search - and scanned the big thread on "Buildings and Contents Insurance" - but I don't think this particular question is covered, so here goes...

At the end of the month I will be moving into rented accomodation with my boyfriend. It's a brand new property and the estate agent has just sent me a letter, which states: "Although you may already have insurance cover for your own possessions, it is your responsibility to insure against damage to the landlord's contents, fixtures and fittings. You should have a special insurance for tenants which will give you cover against accidental damage to the landlord's property as well as theft or damage to your own items".

Does "special insurance for tenants" actually exist? I've been getting a few quotes online this morning and some of them ask whether you own or rent the property, but a lot do not. I have not seen any mention of "special insurance for tenants" apart from in the letter - which, incidentally, also included a prepared quote from the estate agency or one of their affiliates (which I do not intend to take up - I'm sure we can find something cheaper).

I wondered if anyone knew whether or not we would be able to get ordinary contents insurance for this or whether we really do have to seek out this mysterious "special insurance for tenants"!!!

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help,

Beck

sooz

your estate agent should have given you some leaflets. one of the most advertised insurance co's for landlords and tenants is homelet.

they also have a website, https://www.homelet.co.uk - i think

chillipepper_3

Another reason why I hate estate agents and lettings. The landlord should have his own insurance for the contents and the buildings tied in. Therefore leaving you to insure your own goods only. Ours does.

If you have to insure everything then it may be possible to just get normal contents cover for a unfurnished flat, therefore the insurers will pay against all the white goods, furniture etc if needed, as if all the furniture is yours.

Try to communicate this to the landlord to make sure they would support such a claim, I'm sure they would.

It wouldn't suprise me if they already have insurance and the estate agents are trying to sell you an extra unneeded policy.

sooz

landlords should have insurance for their own building and contents, but often this is not valid unless there has been a break in...if you let the tenents in..ie gave them a contract, you will not, as a landord, be covered for damage by them.


having said that, you, as tenants, do not have to take it out. like any insurance policy, assessing the risk is up to you.

chillipepper_3

Remember your deposit. This is often used against items that you could potentially damage that belong to the landlord.