Slightly OT - Insurance for empty house
 

My mam died a few months ago and we have inherited her house (a mid-terraced
about 150 years old in Preston, Lancashire). When she died, Lloyds TSB (who
she had both contents and buildings insurance with) said that they would
continue to cover the contents for us for 3 months and the buildings for 6
months.

The house is now completely empty of all contents and the buildings cover
will run out soon. The house needs to be rewired, re-plumbed, new bathroom
suite, new CH etc., etc., and eventually, after all the work is completed,
we're going to rent it out.

Does anyone know of any insurance companies specializing in covering empty
houses while they are being refurbished? And, being a bit naive about such
things, would such insurance cover any tools left there overnight? I'm
thinking here of my cousin for instance, who works as a plasterer for the
local council. He'll be doing the plastering for us as a "foreigner" and
doesn't have any 'self-employed' or 'commercial' insurance to claim from if
his cement mixer were to get nicked.

TIA,

Mogweed.

Mogweed wrote:

My mam died a few months ago and we have inherited her house (a mid-terraced
about 150 years old in Preston, Lancashire). When she died, Lloyds TSB (who
she had both contents and buildings insurance with) said that they would
continue to cover the contents for us for 3 months and the buildings for 6
months.

The house is now completely empty of all contents and the buildings cover
will run out soon. The house needs to be rewired, re-plumbed, new bathroom
suite, new CH etc., etc., and eventually, after all the work is completed,
we're going to rent it out.

Does anyone know of any insurance companies specializing in covering empty
houses while they are being refurbished? And, being a bit naive about such
things, would such insurance cover any tools left there overnight? I'm
thinking here of my cousin for instance, who works as a plasterer for the
local council. He'll be doing the plastering for us as a "foreigner" and
doesn't have any 'self-employed' or 'commercial' insurance to claim from if
his cement mixer were to get nicked.


Normally the builder will have cover, but if its a self renovate you
need to get something simil;ar youerself.

As far as tooles etc go, do what I did. Rent a steel container with a
huge padlock, and sit it somewhere safe and stick everythiung in that.

TIA,

Mogweed.

Mogweed wrote:

The house is now completely empty of all contents and the buildings cover
will run out soon. The house needs to be rewired, re-plumbed, new bathroom
suite, new CH etc., etc., and eventually, after all the work is completed,
we're going to rent it out.

Does anyone know of any insurance companies specializing in covering empty
houses while they are being refurbished? And, being a bit naive about such
things, would such insurance cover any tools left there overnight?


There are indeed; as you're going to be renting it out your best bet is
to find a landlord's insurance policy now. Explain to the
broker/insurance co that it will be vacant and being renovated before
being let out; many of these policies will allow a period of being
vacant, as this is a common requirement for landlords; even if you can't
get one that does, the broker will be able to set you up. Certainly
forget about approaching the big compnies like Direct Line, MoreThan,
Norwich Union etc; they won't want to know.

Personally, I'd recommend http://www.rentguard.org (although NB I've
never had to make a claim!) - I currently have a policy from them just
like the one you want.

As regards insurance for tools etc - I'd say forget it. If you are able
to find cover which includes it, I suspect the premiums would be
prohibitive. Just make sure your cousin's aware his kit won't be
insured on the job - builders are well used it!

hth
David