I asked for a buildings insurance quote from the Halifax?

Question

for a house I am buying they are giving me a mortgage on. The quote was very good and I took away the printed quote resolved to take it up. However,later at a loose end I was looking at the "questions I answered" and was puzzled it said "property not occupied between 9am and 5pm" well I am 63,and early retired.I am sometimes out,of course,but I do stay in many days.it also says occupied by owner/family. I completely live alone.I claim the single persons council tax discount. I went in this morning to query these two points,but did"nt get to see the man who had done it for me.I saw this woman at the counter and I thought she fobbed me off by saying they had to put this,it was on all insurance policies. I think they are saying a special thing,that I am not in during the day and probably could not claim for anything between these hours.I am so concerned.It is such a good price,but I like it to be right.Does anyone with an understanding of these things know if this is ok. Thanks

Answer 1

The usual rule is that shopping and other irregular absences are not counted when the answer is given.

As you are not aware of this I have to assume that you were not asked the question.

Since the fact that the home is occupied during the day is regarded as a fact that reduces the risk then it is not regarded as being 'material', but the answer could have reduced the premium (depends on the insurance policy).

I suspect that the Halifax quote is not affected by the occupancy state and that the person who did the quote just gave you the widest possible interpretation.

I would ask if the premium is affected by your answer - if it isn't then no problem - if the answer is that it is then I suspect the Halifax are looking at ways of increasing revenue - not TCF.

Answer 2

I'm not sure why the Halifax would answer yes to "property not occupied between 9am and 5pm" if it is. Go back to the Halifax and insist on this point being checked. The fact you are 63 years old should not mean you are fobbed off - insist.

Answer 3

Definately go back to Halifax and ask to speak to the adviser that gave you the quotation.  Ask him/her to call you if they are not available at the time to discuss it further.  Most building policies ask whether the property is regualrly unoccupied for set periods eg, 9 - 5 each day but it does not mean the property is not covered during this period.  However, by the property being regularly occupied all day and night you are lowering the risk of a break in and therefore may be entitled to a discount on your premiums.    So it is well worth taking it up with Halifax as it could save you money.  

With regards to the second point this is just insurance jargon to say that nobody except you and/or your family live at the property and doesn't mean that there has to be more than just you there.  It is there to show that you do not rent the property out as this would increase the risk and thus the cost of cover for you.

Hope this clears things up for you.

Answer 4

If you want some legal advice and want to make sure it's in your best interest. There is a life events plan that you can have access to an attorney for being a member there are over 1.7 million members in the U.S and it's a public traded company on the NYSE.  The site is www.ortizconsultants dot com call me if you want more info

Answer 5

Not sure about the first point but the second point is ok, it just means that someone will be living there that is either the owner or the owners family, they are just making sure it isnt a buy to let property as you would need different insurance (landlords cover) if you were renting the property out.

Answer 6

Hi,

No, that is not right!

Most house insurance policies allow for you to be away for up to 2 weeks on holiday etc.

I've never come across a policy that specifies that you have to be in in case a burglar calls. 8-))

I'd check that with them again and see if that is right, if it is I would get a quote from another company.

Also check on the policy as to how much your contents are covered for, some have a limit which is too low to cover total loss in case of a fire etc.

With regards to the occupied bu, well you I assume are the owner so that should be OK.

Try More Than, we use them and their prices seem quite reasonable.

Arnak