Generic Insurance Questions

Belnahua

Hi,

I am trying to get a new contents quote, but am stuck on a couple of questions on the compare sites.

They ask if we live within 400 meters of water, which technically we do, but as we're 50 metres above the level of the water, and as it drains straight out to a sea loch, if this stretch of water floods - then the country as a whole has some serious problems (ie. half of the UK under water!) So should I answer yes or no!? As we're never going to get flooded by this water, but answering yes stops me getting quotes!

Also, they ask for roof type, but what does that have to do with anything? Surely as long as I maintain the roof fully, the fact that it is metal, should not make any difference? In fact being metal, probably makes it safer, as tiles cannot come loose and let water in?

Thanks.

Jaxxie

Belnahua wrote: »

Hi,

I am trying to get a new contents quote, but am stuck on a couple of questions on the compare sites.

They ask if we live within 400 meters of water, which technically we do, but as we're 50 metres above the level of the water, and as it drains straight out to a sea loch, if this stretch of water floods - then the country as a whole has some serious problems (ie. half of the UK under water!) So should I answer yes or no!? As we're never going to get flooded by this water, but answering yes stops me getting quotes!

Also, they ask for roof type, but what does that have to do with anything? Surely as long as I maintain the roof fully, the fact that it is metal, should not make any difference? In fact being metal, probably makes it safer, as tiles cannot come loose and let water in?

Thanks.

Hi

it's a few years since I dealt with home insurance but I would say ALWAYS answer a yes or no question absolutely truthfully whether you think it has any relevance or not. If you answer no to the question about being near water because of the reason given above & you ever have need for that type of claim, then you could be looking at non-disclosure, non payment of the claim & possible voidance of your policy which would seriously affect your chances of getting ANY type of insurance in the future. The reason why you said no instead of yes would not generally be given much consideration unless it had absolutely nothing to do with the claim. ie if you had a theft claim & an assessor discovered your proximity to water when visitng, it would not necessarily affect your theft claim but you would certainly be getting contact from the underwriters! The reason you're having problems getting quotes is because the comparison sites tend to be for the straightforward risks only..........you might be better actually phoning the companies direct.

As for the roof type, the standard question is is the property brick or stone walls with slate or tiled roof........normally known as BSST. This is low risk, classed as standard construction and anything else is classed as non-standard. Again it doesn't mean that companies won't insure it or that it will cost more, it just means that it's not your bog standard risk therefore the comparisons sites won't work for it.

Hope all that helps