It may seem rather ironic to be thinking about home insurance just when everyone can finally get out of their home. On the other hand, most people are going to need, or at least want, to start brushing up their finances. Getting the right home insurance can be a major part of that. Here are some tips to help.
Give yourself time to do your research
Ideally, you want to start looking for a new deal 6-8 weeks before your current one expires (or you get the keys to your new home). That’s late enough that prices are going to be fairly current. It’s also early enough that you should be able to review all reasonable options before making your choice. Whatever you do, avoid just taking out insurance with your mortgage provider.
Give yourself time to brush up your credit record
There are two reasons why insurers are likely to check your credit record. The first is just as a means of verifying your identity. This is just one (more) reason to make sure that your credit record is accurate.
In particular, you need to make sure that all the contact details on your financial products point to your current home address. Also, make sure that you’re on the electoral roll.
The second is to decide if they’re going to offer you the option to pay in instalments and, if so, at what price.
Consider using an insurance broker
In simple terms, the more money you’re spending, the more you could save by using a broker to find you the best deal. This is in addition to the time you’ll save yourself. This means that there’s a lot to be said for using a broker for any major purchase, such as a mortgage.
Realistically, home insurance can be more of a grey area. Some people might be paying enough to justify the fees/commission. Other people might not think it was worth it. If you have a standard property, especially a starter one, and just want a basic policy, then you could probably bag at least a decent deal just by doing your own research.
Remember you’re covering the rebuilding cost
After just taking out home insurance with your mortgage provider, this must be one of the most common and costliest mistakes in home insurance. You are not covering the sales value of your home. You are covering the rebuilding cost of your home. There is generally a significant difference between the two because you will not have to repurchase the land you already own.
Review your excess
Increasing your excess can help to lower your premium. Of course, you need to be confident that you could absorb the excess if necessary. In other words, consider this as an option, just make sure that you use it cautiously, if at all.
See if you can pay upfront
If you pay your fees in instalments, then your insurer is, effectively, giving you credit. They will probably charge for this. How much they charge will generally depend partly on their approach and partly on your credit record. There are, however, usually some savings to be made if you can pay the full year upfront.
Make sure you know what you’re covering
Read the policy carefully and make sure you are 100% clear about what it covers and, by extension, what it doesn’t. In particular, make sure that any areas outside the main property have suitable cover. This could mean anything from a communal stairway in a flat to outbuildings in a house with a garden.
Keep in mind that home insurance can mean exactly that. In other words, it may not cover gardens and outbuildings unless you specifically request it and pay extra.
Please contact us for any more information