Leasehold block insurance

Blondie21_2

I dont know if anyone can help but, I'm a lessee and I am quite certain I'm being overcharged on the insurance. Does anyone know of a way I can obtain quotes as a comparison so I can show the managing Agents I can do better? I have tried in the past but the Insurance comapanies want SO much information that I do not have and I dont think the Managing agents will give it to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

rach83

Hi this is an interesting question. I own a leasehold property and did have managing agents up until recently!!! I found out (completely unknown to me) that the managing agents were taking a £500 commission cut out of the buliding insurance. I think this is common practice with managing agents. Challenge them and see what they say. I was pretty mad when I found out about this as it all seemed a bit cloak and dagger. Where I live there is 41 flats and we pay something like £2300 a year to insure the buildings.

Blondie21_2

Thank you. I've been in dispute with the managing agents for quite a few years. What I'm hoping to do is find a cheaper quote somewhere and then produce it to them. Would you mind telling me who you are insured with? If you would rather not I will totally undertstand. many thanks

rach83

No problem at all we are now with Allianz Cornhill. We use to be with Deacon Insurance who were based in Bournemouth. I believe Deacon specialise in insuring leasehold buildings. Is your flat purpose built and are there a lot of flats?

Fortunately our managing agents resigned (we made them do some work in the past 18 months) and they weren't keen on the pressure!!!! I own a share of the freehold in my flat and myself and some of the other Directors of the Management Company have decided to manage the buliding ourselves seems to have worked very well. :T

Frankly our ex managing agents were taking so many back handers that we have managed to save ourselves quite a substantial amount of money. Might be worth thinking about and remember your managing agents are working on your behalf and your their customer don't take any crap and remind them that your their client if they get difficult. The amount of dealings I have had in this field in the past 18 months I am sure I can help you with any queries you have

Blondie21_2

Thank you so much. The problems I'm having are that they dont like some of the clauses in my lease. They have tried to imposse service charges which are not written into my lease. I have had a Solicitor write to them but they keep threatening me with court action. I have learnt to stand my ground and I've stood up to them There are only 6 flats, one storey and we are above shops/businesses. The block has been sold off a few times (without our knowing) and this latest Landlord (who took over around 9 years ago) hired his Mangaing Agents (not us) and they have proceeded to become a thorn in my side ever since. They did offer the headlease to us 4 years ago for £2000 which we jumped at. I did all the running around, got a Solicitor etc, etc. and then they put the price up to £5000. My Solicitor said a flat No because they were being greedy and it was not worth the money. Some of us have different leases to others as well. It's a real mess to be honest. All the works they allege to have done have been to the roof and the gutters etc. My lease exempts them from touching my roof. I am liable for all those works myself as contained in clauses in my lease. Hence they are disputing this and have told me these clauses are 'typing errors!' I do get weary of it all. Sory for the long message and many thanks again for your help.