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Category: Landlords Insurance

Buildings and Contents Insurance: What is it?

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Buildings and Contents insurance are two separate types of insurance that protect different aspects of your home. 

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home and any permanent fixtures, such as your walls, roof, and flooring. This is a mandatory requirement of a mortgage and homeowners typically have to have this in place before they can buy a property.

Contents insurance covers possessions inside your home – typically things that you would take with you if you moved house. This includes things like furniture, electrical items such as fridges and televisions and on some policies even the likes of mobile phones and push bikes. Contents insurance isn’t compulsory but can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of theft, damage, or loss.

Both types of insurance can provide valuable protection, but it’s important to understand the differences and choose the coverage that best meets your needs.

Determining whether you need buildings or contents insurance, or both, depends on your specific situation and needs. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding which type(s) of insurance to purchase:

Homeownership:

If you own your home, you will typically need buildings insurance to protect the structure of your home and any permanent fixtures. If you rent your home, you may not need buildings insurance, but you may still want to consider contents insurance to protect your personal belongings. 

Mortgage: 

If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will require you to have buildings insurance.

Personal belongings: 

Consider the value of the personal belongings in your home. If you have expensive items such as jewellery, expensive tech, or artwork, you may want to make sure these items are included in your contents insurance policy to protect them in case of damage or loss.

Ultimately, it’s important to carefully review the coverage limits and exclusions of any insurance policy before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. It’s also a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Uinsure automatically provides quotes from seven leading UK insurers who compete to offer you their best available price – so it’s easy for you to pick the cheapest. 

Customer Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Do I need home insurance?

Your home is by far the most valuable possession you own. Within it is all your personal belongings and the place you feel safe. However, despite the best protection in place, there is always a risk of fire, theft, damage and natural disasters that can strike unexpectedly. To protect your home against this you will need home insurance. This is an investment to protect your home and belongings in case disaster struck. Without insurance it is unlikely that you’d be able to afford to repair any damage that should occur which is why it is so important. 

  • What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance? Do I need both?

Buildings insurance covers the structure and fittings of your home as well as everything permanently fixed down such as walls, roof, ceilings, fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, windows, doors and built-in cupboards and wardrobes. Garages and outbuildings are also covered.  Contents insurance covers the possessions in your home such as furniture and clothes.  It generally covers damage due to fire, lightning, explosion or earthquake, theft (or attempted theft), riots or vandalism, storms or flooding, falling trees, moving objects (such as a car hitting your home) and escaping or leaking water or oil. If you are unsure as to what would be covered under contents insurance the general rule is if you were to shake your house upside down, anything that falls out would be classed as contents, however if you are unsure please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. If you own the property, then whether you buy both is entirely dependent on your situation however you must have buildings insurance in place to be able to get a mortgage. If you are renting a property you will only need contents insurance as the structure of the property is the responsibility of the landlord. 

  • How do I calculate the rebuild cost of my home?

The rebuild value is different from the market value of the property. Most insurers can estimate a rebuild value or alternatively you can use the Building Cost Information Service website to calculate this yourself. 

  • How much cover do I need?

You should ensure that the Building Sum Insured is enough to cover the rebuild cost of your home. With a Uinsure policy buildings cover of £1million is provided as standard. Contents Sum Insured should be enough to cover the replacement cost of your belongings as new. The standard limit with Uinsure is £75,000 which can be increased up to £100,000. 

  • How do I accurately estimate the value of my contents?

The best way to do this is to walk around your home from room to room and add up the value of each item in the house. Once completed this should give you a total amount which is the minimum amount of cover you should be looking for when purchasing contents insurance. 

  • What’s considered a good state of repair?

This would mean that the property is habitable and in good condition and any necessary maintenance is being carried out. 

  • What is subsidence?

This is when a property’s foundations start to sink due to movement of the surrounding earth. 

  • Am I covered if I take property out of my home?

With a Uinsure policy you will need to select optional Personal Possessions Cover and opt for cover for items taken away from the home under £2,500. If an item is more expensive than this then this can be covered but will need to be named on the policy. 

  • What is a single article limit?

The maximum amount an insurer will pay for an item.  

  • What is accidental damage cover?

This is an optional extra with a Uinsure policy which covers loss or damage of an accidental nature such as hammering a nail through a pipe or spilling red win over the carpet. 

  • What does Family Legal Protection cover?

Uinsure’s Family Legal Protection provides £150,000 of legal cover and a 24-hour helpline providing cover for the cost of pursuing certain legal proceedings such as employment disputes, probate, property damage and many more. 

  • What is included in Home Emergency cover?

Uinsure’s Home Emergency Cover provides up to £1,500 per claim for an immediate repair with no annual maximum limit on claims. A repairer will be sent urgently to assess the situation and carry out emergency work on incidents such as boiler breakdown, burst pipes, failure of electric, water or gas supply and many more. 

  • When will I receive my renewal pack?

Your renewal pack will be sent to you at least 21 days ahead of your renewal date. This will contain all your premium information and a breakdown of your renewal cover. 

  • What fees do you charge if I want to change something on my policy?

Unlike most other insurers, Uinsure does not charge a fee for amending your policy.  Depending upon the changes made, in some cases, you may be due a refund or you may be asked to pay an additional premium amount. 

  • Will my policy automatically renew?

 For your continued protection and to ensure that you are fully insured at all times, your home insurance policy will automatically renew each year, unless you have specifically opted out of this when you purchased your policy. 

  • How can I pay for my policy?

Payments for your policy will be collected by Direct Debit which is widely considered to be the simplest, safest and most convenient way to make regular or recurring payments and you are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee.  You may choose to make a single annual Direct Debit or spread your payments over 12 monthly instalments.Your monthly payment instalment plan will be financed by Close Brothers Limited, trading as Close Brothers Premium Finance and your credit agreement is directly with them. Close Brothers Premium Finance will send you a Welcome Pack by post containing the information you need.It is very important that you read the pre-contractual information included within your Welcome Pack and take the time to consider all the information carefully. It contains details of the cost of your loan, the payments that you will need to make, the dates on which these will be due as well as the terms and conditions of the loan agreement itself, which is Close Brothers Premium Finance legal contract with you. This information will enable you to make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right product for you.

  • I’ve missed a payment. What do I do?

If a payment has been missed, we will attempt to take it a second time 5-7 days after the failed 1stattempt. If the second attempt is not successful, then we will write to you to inform you that you have 28 days to contact us in order to bring payments up to date, or your cover will cease. To make any payments please contact us on 0344 844 3844. 

  • How can I contact you?

Simply contact us on 0344 844 3844

Email: enquiries@uinsure.co.uk

Visit: www.uinsure.co.uk

How to keep your house warm and protected in winter

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Winter can be a tough time for us all – and it can be for your property, too.

With freezing temperatures, snow, and ice all taking a toll on your home. But with a little bit of preparation, you can winter-proof your property and keep it safe and warm throughout the colder months. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Insulation is vital

Insulation is one of the most important steps you can take to winter-proof your property. It will help keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside, which will reduce your energy bills and make your property more comfortable. 

Make sure to insulate your attic, walls, and floors to give maximum protection. 

Another way to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside is to seal up drafts. Check around your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks, and use weather-stripping or caulk to seal them up. You can also use draft stoppers to block drafts from coming in under your doors.

Review your heating system

Make sure that your heating system is in good working order before the winter months set in. Arrange for a plumber to inspect it and get any repairs done before the weather gets cold. 

Clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris to ensure proper drainage. When gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves and other debris, it can cause water to back up and freeze, which can cause damage to your property.

Beware of frozen pipes

One of the most common winter problems is frozen pipes. To prevent this, make sure that your pipes are well insulated and that you know where the main water shut-off valve is located. If the temperature drops below freezing, let the water drip from your faucets to keep the water moving, which will prevent the pipes from freezing. 

Snow and ice can make it difficult to navigate around your property, and can also cause damage to your property. Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of snow and ice to make it safer for you and your guests.

By following these tips, you can winter-proof your property and keep it safe and warm throughout the winter months. Remember to act early, don’t wait for the winter to arrive. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with a professional to help you winter-proof your property. 

Protecting Your Home: The Importance of Home Insurance

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Home insurance is a necessary form of protection for homeowners. It provides financial coverage in the event of damage to your home or personal property, as well as liability protection in case someone is injured on your property.One of the main reasons why you need home insurance is to protect your home and personal property from unexpected events such as fires, theft, and natural disasters. These events can cause significant damage and can be very costly to repair or replace. Home insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.Home insurance can also provide coverage for additional living expenses if you are forced to temporarily relocate into alternative accommodation due to damage to your home. This can include the cost of a hotel, meals, and other expenses while your home is being repaired.Finally, having home insurance is a requirement of mortgage lenders. They want to ensure that the property they are lending on is protected and that they will be able to recover their money in case of a loss.

Understanding Trace and Access Cover: What You Need to Know

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Understanding trace and access cover:

what you need to know

What is Trace and Access?

Trace and access cover is part of all Uinsure home insurance policies and covers the cost of finding the source of a leak.It’s common for home insurance policies to cover the cost of water damage but not all insurance policies include Trace and Access which will cover the financial costs of finding exactly where the leak has come from. 


Why is it called Trace and Access?

When damage occurs to a property, the first step in the process of making a claim is to determine the cause of the damage. This is known as “tracing” the source of the problem. For example, if a roof is leaking, the cause of the leak must be found before it can be repaired. This process can be time-consuming and costly, as it may involve hiring professionals to perform inspections, tests, and evaluations to determine the cause of the damage.Once the cause of the damage has been identified, the next step is to “access” the damage and make any necessary repairs. This may involve removing walls, flooring, or other parts of the property to properly assess and fix the issue.Trace and Access cover is designed to provide financial protection for the costs associated with tracing and accessing the cause of the damage. This can include the cost of hiring professionals to perform inspections, tests, and evaluations, as well as the cost of making any necessary repairs.Uinsure provides £1million of Trace and Access cover as standard which gives policyholders peace of mind that they will be protected if they need to claim and will receive a quick and efficient service to address any damage that has occurred.

Why Regular Home Maintenance is Essential

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Why Regular Home Maintenance is Essential

A well-maintained home is essential for a variety of reasons. Not only does it improve the overall appearance of the property, but it also helps to protect the value of the home and ensure the safety of those living in it.

One of the most obvious benefits of maintaining a home is that it improves its overall appearance. A well-maintained home is more likely to be attractive to potential buyers or renters, and can even increase the property’s value. Additionally, regular maintenance can help prevent small issues from becoming larger, more expensive problems down the road.Another important reason to maintain a home is to ensure the safety of those living in it.

Regularly checking and maintaining things like the roof, foundation, and electrical and plumbing systems can help prevent accidents and injuries. This is especially important for older homes, which may have outdated or worn-out systems that need to be updated to meet current safety standards.


Why is a well-maintained home important from an insurance perspective?

Many insurance companies consider the condition of a home when determining the cost and coverage of a policy. For example, a home with a well-maintained roof is less likely to experience leaks or other damage, which can lower the risk of water damage and mould growth.

For this reason, the majority of insurance companies will require you to ensure your property is well-maintained and will continue to be so before they will offer cover. In addition, not maintaining your home can lead to insurance claims getting denied. An example of this is if a home has a damaged roof and the homeowner has not done any repair or maintenance on it, the insurance company may deny the claim if the damage is caused by neglect.

Well-maintained homes also save money in the long run. By catching and fixing problems early, it can save homeowners from having to pay for costly repairs later on. It also improves energy efficiency by ensuring that all systems are functioning properly which can lead to lower energy bills.

Uinsure awarded Defaqto 5 Star rating for the tenth consecutive year

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Uinsure has been awarded a Defaqto 5 Star rating for its home insurance policies for a tenth consecutive year. 

Its BTL / Landlord products have also been awarded the highest Defaqto 5 Star rating for the ninth year in a row. 

The Defaqto 5 Star rating is integral as it gives advisers and their customers the confidence to know that they’re well covered should the unfortunate happen and they  

Defaqto, an independent body, rates policies based on all of the key features and benefits on offer, as well as any optional add-ons or extras, before giving an overall rating. 

The aim of the service is to ultimately give consumers an impartial and easy-to-understand assessment of an insurance product to help them weigh up benefits before purchasing. 

Advisers can utilise Uinsure’s Adviser Platform that has removed the complexities associated with GI to arrange Defaqto 5 Star rated cover. 

The hugely simplified quote and application process allows advisers to arrange one of the most comprehensive policies on the market in under a minute. 

To demonstrate value and quality of cover to your clients over price, use the Defaqto Compare tool here.