Homeowner's insurance (UK)

[Jane1097]

Hi, 

Homeowner's insurance is a bit of a nightmare, so I wondered what other hosts were doing about it.

We rent out an entire house and, although we're covered through Airbnb for accidental damage etc. (I know it's been contentious in some cases), we decided to get a buildings and contents insurance to ensure we were covered in all eventualities. We went with now 4 cover (recommended on this forum, if memory serves) and just prior to renewing, we received a letter stating that their previous underwriter went bust. They have another underwriter, but I thought it might be worth looking at other offerings to compare the market before renewing.  It still seems, however, that most of them don't offer Airbnb cover if your property is separate to the one your living in. 

Fortunately, I haven't had to make a claim, and of course that's when you find out how good, or otherwise, the company you've signed up with is, so if anyone has experiences, recommendations or thoughts they'd be prepared to share, I'd love to hear them.

Many thanks, Jane  

[Sharon665]

I shopped around and went with Admiral in the end.  As you say it was a nightmare.  I'm not sure if situation is different though as I sometimes rent out the whole house but also rent parts of it out too. I've not had to make a claim so not sure how good they are in that respect.

[Jane1097]

Good to hear your experiences, Sharon. I do hope it works out if you have to make a claim, although I hope it never comes to that!

We went back with Now 4 Cover as it seemed the only option available. I'm sure other insurance companies will get on board soon as they're surely missing out on what must be an increasingly lucrative market.    

[Michele992]

Hello, I had a great price from Admiral but I didn't know about the restriction of 90 days! we are becoming more popular and I think would go over that next year. There is a gap in the market for sure. I am going to try yours Jane and see how it compares, thanks.

[Adrian311]

Hi, Sorry in advance for repeating or going over old ground. Can anybody please help/advise about household insurance for airb&b. I rent out my entire house (my only residence) a couple of times a moth exclusively through airb&b. My current household insurer (admiral) said they can no longer insure me if I rent out the entire house (me moving out) on an occasional  basis. I just don't know where to look now?? Does anyone know any insurance companies that will cover me for that set of circumstances? Btw I chose Admiral originally because they were supposed to cover airb&b. I'd only phoned to add an iphone (3yrs later!) to be added to the policy and then I was totally horrified finding out that I wasn't actually covered if a guest burned the house down ect ect. The customer service person was also really abrupt and rude and after checking with her manager - she then informed me they were canceling my policy with immediate effect. I'm really stressed out by this and don't know what/where to look next. Thanks in advance.

[Jane1097]

That's a stressful situation, Adrian. 

I can only suggest that you try HomeProtect on 0330 660 1000. We swapped to them last year as the price hike from our existing insurers was astronomical. 

Our circumstances are different in that although we rent the entire house, we do not live there. Also, we have never had a claim so it's difficult to give them 5 stars, but the price was good.

The very best of luck. 

[Adrian311]

Thanks so much for the reply everyone. 

After the phone call to admiral - and after I'd been on the forum here- I knew in the back of my mind that I was right and I was covered for airb&b - because thats why I'd gone with admiral in the first place. I phoned back this morning - this time I spoke to a guy that informed me I WAS actually covered and had the extra host insurance bolted onto my home insurance policy! The original lady I spoke to obviously couldn't see the add on. She had also cancelled my recurring direct debit payment! - which the guy had to reinstate! The moral of the story is... Always trust your gut instinct - and double check - because the person on the other end of the phone might not have a single clue what they are talking about.

Thanks Adrian.

[Helen3]

Have you tried contacting an insurance broker and asking them to get you some quotes @Adrian311 ?

[Adrian311]

Thanks so much for the reply everyone. 

After the phone call to admiral - and after I'd been on the forum here- I knew in the back of my mind that I was right and I was covered for airb&b - because thats why I'd gone with admiral in the first place. I phoned back this morning - this time I spoke to a guy that informed me I WAS actually covered and had the extra host insurance bolted onto my home insurance policy! The original lady I spoke to obviously couldn't see the add on. She had also cancelled my recurring direct debit payment! - which the guy had to reinstate! The moral of the story is... Always trust your gut instinct - and double check - because the person on the other end of the phone might not have a single clue what they are talking about.

Thanks Adrian.