Building Insurance

Building Insurance FAQ

Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.

• How can I reduce the price of building insurance?

  Naturally, you want cheap building insurance, but make sure it provides suitable cover. There are a several ways you can help to keep the cost of your policy as affordable as possible, including:

  • Using a no claims discount. If you haven’t claimed previously, you may be entitled to a significant saving.
  • Paying a higher excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim) can lower your premium.
  • Getting both building and contents insurance from the same provider, such as Intasure. Combining cover may reduce the cost compared to buying two separate policies.

• What is not covered by building insurance?

  Items not covered by Intasure building insurance include loss or damage caused by wear and tear, electrical or mechanical breakdown, pets or wild creatures, deliberate acts by you and your family, and poor workmanship or faulty design. Storm damage to fences, gates and hedges are also not covered. You can read the full list of exceptions on the policy documents.

• Is building insurance a legal requirement?

  There’s no legal obligation to have home building insurance. However, if you have a mortgage, the lender may insist that there’s a policy in place as a condition of providing the mortgage. If you own your home outright, there’s no lender to insist, and no obligation in law to have insurance. However, it is worth considering that a catastrophic incident such as fire or flood could bring enormous repair or reconstruction bills. Therefore, you should consider having a suitable level of cover for your building and its contents.

• What’s the difference between building insurance and contents insurance?

  Building insurance and contents insurance are two complementary types of cover for your home and valued possessions. Intasure can offer a single policy that includes both. Building insurance can cover the structure of the home plus fixtures attached to it, including fitted kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes, plus outbuildings. It can help protect your property against fire, smoke, lightning, explosion, or earthquake, as well as storm, flood or weight of snow. Contents insurance helps cover your household goods, valuables and personal belongings within the home, or tenant’s fixtures and fittings. This offers you protection if you’re burgled, if items are damaged—or even if the freezer breaks down and you need to replace large amounts of food.

• How do I make a claim?

  If you wish to make a claim, start by reading the policy and schedule to check that you are covered. To register the claim, download a claim form, complete it, and return it to Intasure’s claims office.

• Do you need building insurance for an unoccupied property?

  If your home is going to empty for the period stipulated in the policy document, usually 30 to 60 days or more, then it’s important to tell your insurer and you can arrange unoccupied home insurance. We’re here to help you take care of your investment with insurance cover for your home. Talk to our experienced staff to arrange a policy that fits your property. Call us on 0345 111 0680.