Landlord Insurance

Landlord Insurance

Cheap landlord insurance quotes

Cheap, online quotes for landlord insurance, are the speciality of B Portwood & Co Ltd. Policies are available for single houses or multiple properties online for sums up to £1,000,000 on the buildings and £150,000 for contents! Insurance quotes are also available for unoccupied house insurance - for landlords who may have purchased the dwellinghouse without tenants, be between tenancies, renovating or just disposing of the house. In addition, on referral, B. Portwood can provide quotes for houses of non-standard construction, or located in flood or subsidence areas. Premiums and cover provided/ exclusions will depend on the exact nature of the risk. For the best landlord insurance,contact us directly. We have access to various additional schemes,

It's not mandatory to have landlord insurance, unless with a mortgage, but it is recommended

It is not compulsory to have landlord insurance, but it is recommended that cover is effected.There is no legal requirement to have cover on any house  but an interested third party (e.g.. a mortgage lender) may insist on landlord insurance. It must be effected as a condition of providing the finance, since the house is the collateral and, were it to be destroyed, there would be no means of recuperating the money advanced should the landlord default. To that extent it is compulsory to have landlord insurance. (but the duty arises through civil/ contract law rather than in the avoidance of criminality). The interest of the lender (or anyone else who has a financial interest e.g. joint owner) must be noted on the policy and the insurance provider will contact them if the landlord fails to renew, or cancels their policy..

What exactly does Landlord Insurance cover: a simple guide for the property owner?

A standard landlord insurance will provide cover for the following. Usually the cover is split into several distinct subsections so that it is readily comprehendible. A cheap policy may offer reduced cover to minimise costs , so the best advice for a landlord is to check their insurance cover matches their needs - or contact us with any queries.

1. Insurance for the building itself: - also fixtures and fittings as well as outbuildings on the premises. See details of the specified perils covered (below).

2. If needed then landlord contents insurance is a suitable option. e.g. If the house is let furnished, or if it is a holiday home. Note that contents belonging to the tenant are NOT covered. The tenant will need their own policy (for which we are happy to quote). Note that precious items such as valuables/ jewellery i.e. something that can easily be removed from the premises would not be covered. Some items in the house belonging to the landlord (typically domestic appliances) may be covered either in the contents section or the buildings section. The general rule is that if the device can be removed easily i.e. not built-in, then it is covered under the contents  section - otherwise is covered under the buildings section. Some insurance policies may provide a (small) amount of contents cover as standard, partially to avoid problems with deciding under what section a claim should be processed.

3. Public/ property owner's liability Insurance: - covers loss or damage caused by the negligence of the landlord e.g. if a chimney-stack collapsed damaging a car, and it was found that the landlord had failed to undertake regular checks or had been advised it was in a dangerous state and did nothing then the landlord would be covered against the losses that had ensued.

4. Insurance against Loss of Rent: - covers loss of rent if the house is uninhabitable following an incident that is covered under the policy.  Decent policies provide this cover as standard. This does NOT mean that loss of rent due to the unwillingness of the tenant to pay is covered. Loss of rent insurance in such circumstances may be purchasable under a landlord insurance policy, but it is normally provided under separate cover.

As well as the landlord insurance, it would be wise to take out: -

1. Landlord Legal Expenses Insurance: policy cover varies widely -  This is a typical policy (in a nutshell)

   1. Tenant eviction - recovery of the house on behalf of the landlord and removal of the tenant (usually only if references have been taken)

   2. Property Infringement - action against nuisance or trespass of a person or organisation infringing the landlord's right to the house

   3. Criminal prosecution defence - legal costs incurred by the landlord defending prosecution against breaches of various laws relating to the duties of a landlord

   4. A legal helpline to give advice on any legal problem under UK law. Note that advice is NOT assistance, although if it relates do an event covered under the policy

2. Rent Guarantee Insurance: - This does cover loss of rent due to the unwillingness of the tenant to pay. Premiums depend on the monthly amount insured. This may be available depending on circumstances and the type of tenant in the house. References have to be taken before cover can be confirmed..

What events does landlord insurance protect against a brief summary?

With our landlord Insurance, you get protection against: -

•  Fire, smoke, lightning, explosion and earthquake

• Storm or flood

• Riot, civil commotion, strike, Labour or political disturbance, malicious persons or vandals

• Subsidence or heave of the site beneath the buildings or Landslip causing the buildings or part of it to collapse

• Escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating installation or domestic appliance

• Freezing of domestic water and heating installations resulting in damage thereto

• Theft or attempted theft

• Impact involving an aircraft, aerial device or anything falling from them or by a train, vehicle or animal

• Breakage or collapse of satellite dishes, receiving aerials, and their fittings or masts

• falling trees, branches, telegraph poles or lamp posts including the cost of removing any that cause damage to the property

• Accidental damage to underground pipes and cables supplying the building

• Accidental breakage of fixed glass, solar panels, ceramic hobs or tops in fixed units and sanitary ware

• Damage caused by forced access to attend a medical emergency or an event that would result in damage to the house by one of the above causes

• Cover of property from exchange of contracts until completion

• Cost of replacing locks and keys to external doors, alarm systems or safe due to the keys being accidentally lost or stolen

• Trace and access to find cause of damage of property due to an escape of water

• Cost of reinstatement to comply with EU and Public Authority bye-laws

• Any newly acquired and or newly erected buildings that aren't otherwise insured

• Unauthorised use of electricity, gas or water

• Removal of bee, wasp, and hornet nests

• Costs incurred removing property illegally deposited in or around the property

• Costs incurred following damage in respect of the removal of tenants debris

• Accidental damage (if additional premium paid)

Even with the best landlord insurance there are limitations, conditions and exclusions. For full details it is best to read the policy document. It is important that the landlord realises that an insurance policy does NOT provide cover against everything, nor is it a maintenance contract: if loss or damage has occurred because of an event not listed under the policy then it will not be covered.

How do I compare landlord Insurance products against each other?

To compare landlord insurance, cheapest isn't always best:  A cheap landlord insurance is obviously attractive since the landlord saves money: however not all policies appear on price comparison sites - for instance the policy we offer online does not. An alternative method would be to use a service that compares the cover offered under the policy. A leading source is defaqto and our landlord insurance policy (SAGIC) has a five star rating with them. A final option would be to look for reviews on claims service provided by the insurer when a client actually has need of the policy.

How can I get cheap landlord Insurance without sacrificing cover or claims service?

The best Landlord Insurance can also be cheap! A house that is occupied by a conscientious tenant is hardly any more likely to suffer a claim than one occupied by the landlord him (or her) self. Since the expected losses due to insured perils are similar the premium that needs to be collected, premiums can be nearly as cheap as a normal buildings insurance.  Indeed some landlord insurance providers, only offer cover if the house is occupied by the tenant under an assured short-term tenancy agreement: this keeps claims down and the premium cheap. We offer cover for different types of tenants - students/ refugees/ asylum seekers and cover not only single buildings but also Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). The premiums to cover these occupants are not so cheap as the claims made are substantially more often.

To save money on landlord insurance, the  policyholder must reduce cover. This reduces risk exposure and the average claims cost. The easiest way to make the policy cheaper is to increase the excess (the first part of a claim for which the landlord is responsible): alternatively the landlord may elect to exclude accidental damage cover. Our quotation system offers generous discounts and great flexibility in the excess that is required.

1. Standard policy excess : £75.00 (escape of water £350.00, subsidence £1,000.00)

2. £100.00  : save 5%

3.  £150.00 : save 10%

4. £200.00  : save 15%

5. £250.00  : save 20%

6. £500.00  : save 25% - the escape of water excess increases to £500.00

7. £1000.00: save 30% - escape of water excess increases to £1000.00

Note that there is a minimum premium per house insured, so taking a large excess may not result in a cheaper premium. Also: our premiums are so cheap that the actual difference in price between a policy that has a £250.00 excess (a common amount) and £1,000.00, is not going to be that great. (At least not for normal risks where the tenancy agreement is directly between the landlord and the tenant - large properties (HMO's/ bedsits etc.) or the ownership of multiple properties may make the cheaper option a sensible risk to take. Why risk having to pay an additional £750.00 should a claim occur, to save £10.00 on the insurance quote? Naturally each landlord has an idea on the best insurance excess and some may be more risk averse than others.

Under NO circumstances, to achieve cheaper landlord insurance, should the landlord reduce the sum insured on the house below the reinstatement cost.

How does the cost of landlord insurance vary with the type of tenant in the building?

With our landlord insurance, many tenancy types can be covered. The premium quoted will depend on exactly the tenancy type and the nature of the agreement.

1. Assured Shorthold tenancy Agreement between Landlord and tenant - tenant pays in full from income
   The most common tenancy for the new landlord - and the cheapest/ safest. We call this a 'professional let'. It is the cheapest option.

2. Assured Shorthold tenancy Agreement between Landlord and tenant - tent is paid an amount by universal credit.
   Or by the DSS. They key point is the Landlord controls who occupies the house. We call this a 'subsidised let'. we rate this the same.

3. DSS lets - the contract is between the Landlord and another agency - which has control over who occupies the house
   Tenants may change regularly and short term. We call this a 'DSS referral. The lack of control is a factor in the increased premium

4. Student lets: - houses let to several students.
   Students may only be in for a year and the house may be vacant when they are down. We call this a 'Student let. The landlord will have to make regular checks if the house is vacant between terms.

5. Bedsits and Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs)
   Multiple tenants may cause multiple problems especially if they are in for short period. We differ between landlord insurance for professional bedsits - when the landlord controls the tenants, bedsits where occupancy is under the control of a third party and HMOs - property occupied by multiple families on a regular basis. HMOs need a licence from the local council.

6. Houses occupied by asylum seekers.
   Tenants may change regularly and short term. We call this a 'Landlord Insurance for Asylum seekers. Note that we only accept risks where the agreement is between the landlord and a suitable approved agency - charities are not acceptable.

7. Holiday Homes. We accept cover for holiday homes both when used for pleasure and for business purposes
   Premiums vary between the two classes and the contents in a holiday home used by the landlord and their family will be better and more extensive than those provided for holidaymakers.

What if I need to insure more than one house?

With our landlord insurance, multiple properties can be covered. For landlords owning up to four houses, individual policies are required. Each policy may have a different excess, for instance, and a claim on one policy will not affect the no claims discount on another.

An option is multi property landlord insurance when five or more buildings need cover. This incorporates a discount based on claims experience and additional houses can be added to the portfolio and gain the advantage of the policy discount. The cover is the same on each house - unless there are non-standard features - and the rate is based on the proportion of houses that are occupied by each type of tenant, rather than each house being individually rated. The minimum insurance premium quoted per house is cheaper than a stand-alone policy as is the policy fee. If the number of houses on cover falls below five then the policy can be retained, provided there are at least three houses on cover.

Houses of non-standard construction/ increased flood or subsidence risk.

For some types of property, landlord insurance can be difficult to obtain. Even in areas of increased flood or subsidence risk we can provides quotes and cover. The cover provided will depend on submission of a proposal form to underwriters and we cannot guarantee that cover for subsidence or flood will be provided. If it is then a substantially increased excess will apply.

Subject to referral to the underwriters of our landlord insurance, houses of non-standard construction i.e. other than built of brick/ stone and roofed with tiles or slates may be covered. (Flat roofs can be quoted for online, but there will be a requirement that the roof is inspected regularly otherwise there will be no cover). Again a proposal will have to be submitted to underwriters.

Claims Statement

1. The insurer will deal with your claim fairly and promptly

2. They will acknowledge your initial notification of the claim and send you a claim form or advise you the action you need to take

3. They will keep you informed on the status of your claim from time to time

4. Once the claim is agreed, they will settle the claim promptly in accordance with the appropriate Basis of Settlement set out in the policy

5. They will give you an explanation of the reason why they turn down the claim or any part of it.

6. After a claim they will guarantee any permanent work carried out by a supplier they have provided for 12 months after completion of the work.

Insurance by county in England, Wales and Scotland

We can quote for landlord insurance in the following counties: Avon, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Borders, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Central London, Cheshire, Cleveland, Clwyd, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Dumfries and Galloway, Durham, Dyfed, East Sussex, Essex, Fife, Gloucestershire, Grampian, Greater Manchester, Gwent, Gwynedd County, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Highlands and Islands, Humberside, Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Lothian, Merseyside, Mid Glamorgan, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Powys, Rutland, Shropshire, Somerset, South Glamorgan, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Strathclyde, Suffolk, Surrey, Tayside, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Glamorgan, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire

Cover in Northern Ireland is not available online - but is if you call us: Our direct line for landlords insurance is: 01388 607140

Insurance in the cities

We can quote for Landlord Insurance in any UK city. These are: London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, Bradford, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Wakefield, Cardiff, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Brighton, Hull, Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Swansea, Southampton, Salford, Aberdeen, Westminster, Portsmouth, York, Peterborough, Dundee, Lancaster, Oxford, Newport, Preston, St Albans, Norwich, Chester, Cambridge, Salisbury, Exeter, Gloucester, Chichester, Winchester, Carlisle, Worcester, Bath, Durham, Lincoln, Hereford, Inverness, Stirling, Canterbury, Lichfield.

Other than in areas contained by the M25, we have one rate for buildings insurance throughout the country. Landlord Insurance for dwellinghouses in Cities in Northern Ireland is available - but not online. Please call us.

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Travel Insurance

As well as landlord insurance we offer travel insurance with a range of policies. Customers can either obtain a travel insurance quotation online (Quote 'PORTWOOD10 for an extra discount) or find out more about travel insurance for the over 65 (with medical conditions), the over 70 (with medical conditions), the over 75 (with medical conditions) or the over 80 (with medical conditions). Alternatively we have a range of policies available that aren't quotable online and which we are only too pleased to discuss to enable the most suitable policy to be selected: these include long or extended stay travel insurance, backpacker travel insurance, annual (or multi trip) travel insurance.

Caravan insurance

Quotes are available for caravan insurance for both static and touring models including some twin-axle models such as Hobby caravans. Please call us on 01207 509446 for a free no-obligation quote.