Questions
Questions about home, business and vehicle cover
Anything missing? Ring 01632 960 742; the brokers answer the phone themselves.
Home
Can you insure a thatched or listed house?
Yes. Thatch, listed frontages, timber frames and flat roofs are most of what we place by telephone. We send the details to specialist underwriters who price the building rather than the postcode.
What is the difference between rebuild cost and market value?
Buildings cover pays what it costs to rebuild, which is often more than the house would sell for: scaffolding, a party wall award and a skip are not in the asking price. We check the figure with you at every renewal.
My house is empty while I sell it. Am I still covered?
Most policies restrict cover once a house is unoccupied for 30 to 60 days. Tell us before that date and we will either extend the cover or place an unoccupied property policy.
Do you insure landlords with more than one property?
Yes, from a single flat to portfolios of forty. Every property goes on one schedule with one renewal date, including HMOs and holiday lets.
Business
What is business interruption cover, and do I need it?
It pays the profit you lose while you cannot trade after an insured event, such as a fire or a flood. For a shop or café it is usually the largest part of a claim and the part most often missing.
Do I need employers’ liability if I only take on labourers now and then?
Yes. It is a legal requirement the moment anyone works for you, even for a day, and the fine for not holding it is charged per day. We add it mid-term in one phone call.
Can you insure a farm with a diversification, such as a farm shop or glamping?
Yes. The farm, the shop and the pods go on one policy, with the public liability set for visitors rather than for a working yard.
How do you get paid?
By commission from the insurer, usually between 10% and 20% of the premium, and we show the figure before you pay. On large fleets and farms we sometimes charge a fee instead, where that costs you less.
Vehicles
Are the tools in my van covered overnight?
Only if the policy says so and the van is locked. Many van policies exclude tools altogether. We add a tools section with a stated limit, usually £3,000 to £10,000 per vehicle.
Can drivers under 25 go on a fleet policy?
Yes, as named drivers. It changes the price, but it is far cheaper than a separate policy for one young driver, and it keeps every vehicle on one renewal date.
How many vehicles make a fleet?
Two is enough for most insurers. From three vehicles a fleet policy is almost always cheaper than separate policies, and much less paperwork.
Who do I ring after an accident?
Us, on the claims line, at any hour. We notify the insurer, arrange recovery and a courtesy van, and give you a claim reference the same day.
Still not sure?
Describe what you do and what you own. We will tell you what you need and what you can safely leave out.