Home Insurance Building & contents

[Church Mouse]

Hello

Don't know if anyone can offer any views, I am looking for Buildings and contents insurance.

I want to insure with a company who has a good record for handling claims.

(My present insurer was useless when I just contacted them for some advice on a building problem, made me feel so bad that I didn't claim just paid for the work myself).

I have had insurance for 45 years and never yet made a claim

I have googled insurance companies but haven't managed to find much positive feedback about any.

I suppose people often, only, give feedback when they have experienced negative help.

Positive views would really be appreciated.

Thank you

[Rob]

It can all depend on the nature of the claim and how serious it is.

Most insurers these days have claims handlers. If it's a small issue they will deal with it themselves. If the problem is bigger they bring in loss adjusters to make assessment of the issues but the insurer will still have the final say. Although the loss adjuster is supposed to be independent his role is to act for the insurer, not the claimant. Many insurers try to manage claims by appointing their own building team which wil work out what work is needed and do it. That can be great to simplify matters but if the works are more complex some external help is advised. Many insured people do not realise that their policy allows for reasonable fees of a Surveyor, Architect or other professional to assess the works needed and monitor them. If the issue is substantive, for example flood damage or fire, it can be worth having that independent professional involvement.

Insurance companies all advertise good claims handing. One day they will be good, the next not so good. It can be the luck of the draw as to who is nominated to deal with it when you are unfortunate enough to make that call.

Remember too that an insurer is only going to cover you for things which fall under an insured peril It is surprising how limited that can be. I'd always recommend people consider accidental damage risks, in addition to the standard fire, flood, subsidence, type cover. Most policies will cover the repair of damage resulting from an insured risk, but not the repair of the fault that caused the problem. For things liek a burst underground pipe that could leave a big dent in your budget if they repair the damage to the house from the floor void filling with water, but not the ecavation of your drive needed to replace the pipe itself.

As ever it's a case of read the small print.

[MTJR]

Personally I've always found Direct Line to be good.

Reasonable price and dealt with any issues in a timely manner.

John

[Taf]

Comparison sites?

[Church Mouse]

Thank you all for replies,

I have tried comparison sites and then tend to get numerous phone calls from lots of different insurers.

I really just want to make the right decision before I go ahead.

Thank you will keep checking reviews

[MTJR]

I hated the massive amount of information that comparison sites seem to want so I've never used them.

One question I do have though is why you feel the need to change your insurer if you've been claim free for 45 years. I would have thought you would have got a fairly decent deal from them.

Is it the price that bothers you or the ease with which you can make a claim should you need to?

John

[Church Mouse]

I have been with present company for three years (more realistic price for 50plus years of age than previous insurers)

Anyway I found that I had a structural problem recently, brickwork coming away at gable area to house, don't know what caused it, but rang the building claims department for advice re did I need to get anybody in particular to have a look at the problem or what should I do.
I had no idea of procedure, I am a widowed senior citizen and was trying to do things correctly.
However, I explained to the person that I spoke to, that I did not know the extent or cause of the problem, I was continually told that if it was storm damage they would want the date caused and then they would run a weather check to see if I was covered. They said it was up to me who I got to look at the problem but kept saying that if I wanted to start a claim they would run a weather check.
They didn't even ask for any of my details.

I just felt that they were really unhelpful, I was scared and didn't know what to do.

At present I have a builder who is going to sort it for me and I am just going to pay for it myself (around £800)

I now do not want to stay with my present insurance company, the policy is due for renewal next month, so now is the ideal time to change.

I would rather have a good insurance than a cheap insurance.