Refused insurance

Finding cover after a refusal to renew or a cancellation notice

I've been refused insurance! Help!

When you start a quote for home insurance, providers may ask whether you have ever had a policy cancelled or refused. You have a duty to answer the questions asked honestly and to the best of your knowledge. By answering 'Yes' truthfully, you will likely be asked several follow-up questions. This is so that your potential insurer can assess the risk to underwrite your policy and provide adequate cover.

Why was I declined insurance?

There can be several reasons for a refusal. for instance, if a high value claim has been paid or your circumstances have changed since the original policy was taken out. In some cases, an insurance provider may not be able to offer cover because you didn't meet an underwriter's criteria. It all depends on your personal and property circumstances.

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What to do if you've been refused home insurance

Our five-step guide sets out the options available to you for appealing or overcoming the situation of being refused insurance.

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Reasons you could be refused home insurance:

Your house is left empty for more than 30 days at a time.
Your house is of non-standard construction.
You have made several claims in previous years.
You live in a house share with others who are not related by blood or marriage.
You or someone you live with has a criminal conviction.
You live in a high flood risk area.
You let rooms to lodgers.
You run a business from home.

What to do when your home insurance is cancelled

It can be difficult to find cover from another provider after a refusal to renew or a cancellation notice but it is worth taking the following steps:

1. Speak with your insurer to find out why your policy has been cancelled.

2. Resolve the issue if possible and ask for your cover to be reinstated.

3. Make a complaint to your insurer in writing.

4. Contact the Financial Ombudsman if you think your insurer is not treating you fairly.

5. If your current insurer does not reinstate the policy, contact a specialist insurance provider.

Your house insurance provider has the right to cancel your policy in certain circumstances, such as failed payments, fraud or failure to disclose a change in circumstances or a change to the property.

At HomeProtect we understand your situation and do not believe that you are uninsurable. We can provide a home insurance quote online in 97% of cases, even if you have been refused insurance in the past.

Refused house insurance

Up to £500,000 as standard for loss or damage to the structure of your property or permanent fixtures.
Covers valuables and personal possessions listed in your policy schedule against physical loss or damage anywhere in the world.
Individual items worth over £1,500 must be specified.
Up to £25,000 legal expenses cover to pay for legal support for property disputes and goods/services contract disputes.
Up to £200 home emergency cover per callout to temporarily fix burst pipes, roof damage and failure of water, gas and electricity supply.

Case Study: Converted property refused insurance

Your questions answered

What does refused insurance mean?

When you are refused insurance it means that the provider has decided not to provide cover for your property or belongings. This may be because you do not meet the terms of their underwriters, or it may be because of a change in your circumstances which means you are perceived to be a greater risk to insure.

When applying for insurance, if you do not, when asked, tell your insurer something that is relevant such as having a criminal conviction, then you could be refused house insurance.

Where can I get cover if I have been refused home insurance?

If you have been declined insurance in the past then it is best to seek a home insurance quote from a specialist provider. Specialist home insurance providers are likely to better understand your needs and be able to cover your home and contents for a reasonable cost.

Does living in a flood risk area affect my house insurance?

Yes, your home insurance premium is calculated using a number of factors. Flood risk is one of them, as well as previous claims. If you live in a high flood risk area then you are likely to have to pay more for cover. You may also find that standard insurers refuse to provide cover.

What changes do I need to tell my insurer about?

You must inform your insurance provider of changes to your home such as letting a room to lodgers, making structural renovations, installing a burglar alarm or door locks, leaving the house empty for more than 30 consecutive days.

I had to make a claim (the second I might add in my 30 years of house insurance) for one of my childrens' mobile phone, the claim was made around 12 noon and the money was in my account before 5.30 pm that day, what a fantastic service. I have renewed for a second year, and have recommended this insurance to all my friends. Thanks very much.
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