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Overseas Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the policy excesses?

    Dependant on the underwriter the usual policy excess is £50 or £100 for each loss or damage claim

  2. Is immediate cover available?

    Yes. Just ring us up and cover will be confirmed. Premiums can be paid by credit or debit card or by sterling cheque, In some instances interest free credit over 12 months is available. If you are completing and need proof of insurance urgently, we can send you your schedule via fax or email.

  3. What legal liability cover is included?

    Claims for third party liability i.e. claims from members of the public or domestic employees also holidaymakers are automatically covered for minimum indemnity of £2M which is often £5M for any occurrence, plus legal costs and expenses. In litigious times this cover will protect you if for example a guest slips in the shower causing injury, and decides to take legal action, providing negligence is proved.

  4. What do you mean by standard construction

    Properties need to be built of stone, brick, concrete with a tiled roof, slate or other non combustible materials. Special rates are available for properties that are not standard construction.

  5. In the event of a claim who would I contact?

    If you need to make a claim you will only need to deal with our claims dept in the UK. The claims department will liaise with loss adjusters (if they are required) and will keep you fully informed of the progress of your claim.

  6. If I have to visit my property to sort out a claim will I have to pay my expenses?

    The policy provides a minimum of £1,000 Emergency Travel cover, often increased to £1,500 which will assist your hotel and flight costs providing the damage is as a result of an insured peril.

  7. Will I have liability cover whilst the holiday home is let?

    Providing you have informed us the property will be let then you would be covered for liability to guests and persons visiting your property.

  8. Will the value of my property be the amount I need to insure it for?

    No – the sums insured need to be based on the rebuild cost and not the purchase price, as often the location of a property amounts for a large percentage of the purchase price.

  9. What amount do I need to insure my home and contents for

    Buildings
    It is very important that you insure the buildings for the re-build cost, which should include the main dwelling, outbuildings, site clearance and professional fees etc. The cost needs to be sufficient to rebuild balconies and patios. You may be able to obtain this information from your surveyor or your agent.
    Contents
    Your contents should be insured for the full replacement cost as your policy is on a "New for old Basis", with depreciation only being taken into account for items of clothing.

  10. Who are the underwriters of the policy?

    The policy will be underwritten by one of our chosen suppliers, both being regulated and governed by the FSA, which provides total security.

  11. Are the taxes applicable to the insurance for my overseas property included or will we have to pay them separately?

    All local taxes are included within the quoted premium and the underwriters are responsible for paying them to the appropriate countries.

  12. If I wish to live in my overseas holiday home on a permanent basis, can you still offer cover on the home and contents?

    Yes we would be able to offer a different scheme for overseas homes being used as your main residence.

  13. Can I increase the insured sums for my holiday home in mid term?

    Yes you can change your sums insured, you would only be charged pro-rata for the remaining term of the policy.

  14. If I let my holiday home will I have cover for loss of use?

    Yes, the cover includes loss of rent due or additional costs of accommodation in the event of the residence becoming unusable, provided the damage is caused by an insured peril.

  15. Will I be covered if my apartment is damaged by fire or escape of water from an adjoining apartment?

    Yes, your insurance company will handle the claim and if appropriate attempt to recover their costs from the negligent party.

  16. Does the policy provide accidental damage cover?

    Full accidental damage cover can be provided as an optional extra provided the property is occasionally occupied by you as well as tenanted on a short term basis. Accidental damage beyond the standard cover of fixed glass and sanitary fittings that is included in all policies,is not available on investment only properties.

  17. Will the policy you provide cover me for accidental damage to domestic supplies?

    Yes, the cost of repairing accidental damage to domestic oil pipes, underground cables, underground water supply and gas pipes for which you are legally responsible. Limit of indemnity will vary dependant on the policy wording.

  18. If I sell my holiday home, can I expect to receive any refund for the remaining insurance term?

    Yes you may be entitled to a refund depending on how long the insurance has been in force and whether you have made a claim.

  19. Can you insure more than one property?

    Yes. We can insure multiple properties be it on one policy or multiple policies. We can also insure all flats within one block on a single policy.

Overseas

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