Your Home Insurance Questions
Find the answers to your home insurance questions by using our interactive FAQs or by browsing the information below.
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Questions |
Buying a policy
- How much should I insure my Home and Contents for?
- How do I find an accurate figure for the re-build cost and/or contents cost of my property?
- Do I need to specify all of my valuable items such as furniture and stereo equipment?
- Do I need to provide proof of ownership for all of my possessions?
- Why is my online quote for home insurance so competitive when compared to other providers? Did I miss something out on my application?
- In which cases do I need to tell you about the individual value of my contents?
- If I live in an area that is prone to flooding or subsidence does it cost a great deal more to insure my property?
- Will having a burglar alarm system reduce my annual contents premium?
- Can I get a home insurance quote via email?
- Why is it necessary to provide all my personal details in order to get a home insurance quote?
- Can I take out contents insurance with you if I let (sub-let) my house?
- Will you insure my new home while I sell my current home?
Service and cover
- Is my PC covered?
- Are my belongings covered outside the home or when I go on holiday?
- Is a bicycle theft covered by my contents insurance?
- What type of home insurance cover is available to me?
- Can I insure my property if it is let to tenants?
- I live in a rented flat, can I take my contents cover with you?
- Will my Buildings insurance cover my outbuildings such as the garage and shed?
- Can I arrange insurance cover just for my personal items?
- Do you give a no-claims discount on home insurance?
- Do you offer a new for old policy?
- Can I insure a property that is not my permanent residence?
- I am moving and my current home is still on the market. Will my Buildings cover remain in force whilst the property is unoccupied?
- If I have a mortgage, will you note the lender’s interest on my policy?
- Can I insure my home if it is used for business?
- Can I insure my holiday home abroad?
- Can I insure my caravan/mobile home with Privilege?
- I am the freeholder of a house converted into several flats. Can I arrange cover for the whole building?
- If I am adding an extension to my home, will I be covered for damage to the new building?
- How do I cancel my Privilege home insurance policy?
Claims
- How do I make a claim on my Home policy?
- Can I choose the excess that I pay towards the cost of any home insurance claim?
Changing your policy or details
- How do I change the correspondence address for my home insurance policy?
- How do I amend my Home policy?
- How do I amend the sums insured on my Home policy?
- How do I change my address on my Home policy?
- How do I remove contents cover from my Home policy?
- How do I change my telephone number on my Home policy?
- How do I remove buildings cover from my Home policy?
- How do I add buildings cover to my Home policy?
- How do I add contents cover to my Home policy?
- How do I change my email address on my Home policy?
- How do I renew my Home policy?
Cancellations
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Answers |
Buying a policy
- How much should I insure my Home and Contents for?
Buildings: Your 'buildings sum insured' should represent the cost of rebuilding your home and any outbuildings. The buildings section of your policy automatically provides cover up to £1,000,000, or unlimited cover - dependent on the policy you have chosen, so you'll never have to be worried about being underinsured. Properties which aren't eligible for the £1,000,000, or unlimited, Buildings cover are:
Properties with more than 5 bedrooms
Any properties with listed status
Any properties constructed before 1837
Any properties with a rebuild cost of more than £1,000,000 (not applicable to unlimited). If any of these apply to your home, please call us on 0845 246 3064*.
Contents: As a guide, Contents are all of the items that you would be likely to take with you when moving out of your home. These would include carpets, curtains, furniture, electrical appliances, valuables, clothing and personal effects. Your 'Contents sum insured' must represent the total current replacement cost of all such items in your home. Our quote and buy system will provide an estimate based on the size of your property. However, this is only a basic guide and you should carefully assess the total replacement value as new of the Contents in every room of your home. On the premium page there is the option to 'change sum insured or excess'. Simply select this and enter the sum insured required, the system will then recalculate the premium. If you need to reduce the sums insured below our estimated figures, please call us on 0845 246 3064*. To obtain a quote for your buildings and/or contents insurance, click here.
*Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday. - How do I find an accurate figure for the re-build cost and/or contents cost of my property?
The buildings section of your policy automatically provides unlimited buildings cover, or cover up to £1,000,000 (dependent on the policy you choose) for the cost of rebuilding your home and any outbuildings, so you'll never have to worry about being underinsured. Properties which are not eligible for unlimited buildings cover or £1,000,000 Buildings cover are:
Properties with more than 5 bedrooms Any properties with listed status.
Any properties constructed before 1837
Any properties with a rebuild cost of more than £1,000,000 (does not apply to unlimited).
Our online quote and buy system will provide an estimate of the minimum level of contents cover you are likely to need, based on the size of your home. This figure is purely a guide and we accept that it may not reflect your individual requirements.
On the premium page, there is the option to 'change sums insured' which will allow you to enter a different contents sum insured to meet your requirements - the system will then recalculate the premium payable. If you need to reduce the contents sum insured below the estimated figure, or your home is not eligible for unlimited or £1,000,000 Buildings cover, please call us on 0845 246 3064*. To obtain a quotation on your home and/or contents insurance, click here.
*Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.
- Do I need to specify all of my valuable items such as furniture and stereo equipment?
No. You only need to specify items that are worth more than £2,000 (under Privilege Home Insurance) or £3000(under Privilege Platinum) and fall under our definition of a ‘Valuable’. We define Valuables as jewellery, watches, furs, items or sets or collections of gold, silver or other precious metals, works of art, sets of stamps or coins or medals all belonging to you or any member of your family. To obtain a quote on insuring your contents, click here. Alternatively, if you have any items to be specified, please call us for a quote on 0845 276 3064*.
*Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.
- Do I need to provide proof of ownership for all of my possessions?
No. However, in the event of a claim you may be asked to provide evidence of value and ownership such as purchase receipts and instruction manuals. It is essential to provide such documentation for any valuables specified on the policy, such as jewellery, watches or works of art.
- Why is my online quote for home insurance so competitive when compared to other providers? Did I miss something out on my application?
If you ‘missed out’ any compulsory fields during the quotation process, the system will have prompted you to complete them before proceeding. However, in terms of the level of cover you have selected, we can’t say if you have 'missed out' something on your online quotation. If you are in any doubt as to whether the cover meets your requirements, please call us.
- In which cases do I need to tell you about the individual value of my contents?
You only need to tell us about the individual value of your contents if they are "valuables". We call "valuables": jewellery, watches, furs, items or sets or collections of gold, silver or other precious metals, works of art, sets of stamps or coins or medals. We automatically cover valuables up to £2,000 each under Privilege Home Insurance policy and up to £3000 each under the Privilege Platinum policy: and up to 30% of your contents sum insured in total. If you have valuables which are worth over these limits £1,500, or if the total of your valuables amounts to more than 30% of your contents sum insured, please call us for a quote.
- If I live in an area that is prone to flooding or subsidence does it cost a great deal more to insure my property?
We aim to provide competitive quotes for homeowners in all parts of the country. If your home is in an area with a history of flooding or subsidence, we will request further details in order to ascertain the level of future risk. If your home has suffered from these types of damage in the past, the future risk may mean that we are unable to offer cover. In this situation, it should normally be possible to continue cover with the previous insurer.
- Will having a burglar alarm system reduce my annual contents premium?
We currently offer two levels of alarm discount on Contents insurance:A discount is available if the alarm system is installed and maintained professionally.A 12.5% discount is offered for professionally installed and maintained alarm systems that automatically notify the Police.Please call us if you require further information.
- Can I get a home insurance quote via email?
At present we do not have an e-mail quote facility.If you require a quote please click here to go to our home page. Here you will be able to 'request a quote' online.
- Why is it necessary to provide all my personal details in order to get a home insurance quote?
The questions that are asked are all relevant to the way in which we both underwrite and price a policy. Your name and the Date of Birth also act as a reference allowing us to identify you on our database should you have had a quotation or bought a policy in the past.
- Can I take out contents insurance with you if I let (sub-let) my house?
Buildings and Contents cover are only available online if the property is occupied solely by the policyholder and family. However, if you share your home with one or two lodgers, we may be able to offer cover - please call us for a quote. Certain exclusions automatically apply when one or two lodgers share the Home - call us if you require full details. We are unable to offer cover if you share your home with more than two lodgers or if you let your home.
- Will you insure my new home while I sell my current home?
The 'Sale and Purchase' section of your Buildings policy automatically provides a basic level of cover for your new home over the period between exchange of contracts and completion, provided this period does not exceed three months. However, this cover does not apply if your new property is still insured elsewhere, or if its rebuilding cost exceeds the buildings sum insured shown on your schedule. If this is the case, please call us to discuss your requirements.
Service and cover
- Is my PC covered?
Yes, all our Contents policies automatically provide cover for home computers, including accidental damage protection. However if you have a portable/laptop computer and require protection for outside of the home, you will need to take out our optional Personal Possessions cover. This is available as an optional extra under our Privilege Home Insurance policy and is included as standard under our Privilege Platinum policy when you take contents insurance. If the replacement value exceeds £2,000 (under Privilege Home Insurance) or £3,000 (under Privilege Platinum), we will only be able to offer this cover over the telephone so please call us for a quote on 0845 246 0249*. To obtain an online quotation, click here.
*Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.
- Are my belongings covered outside the home or when I go on holiday?
Yes, if you take out our Personal Possessions cover which is available as an optional extra on our Privilege Home Insurance policy and is included as standard under the Privilege Platinum policy when you take out contents. Under Privilege Home Insurance, this cover ensures that your personal belongings (including up to £500 for money and £500 for credit cards) will be covered against theft, loss or accidental damage anywhere in the British Isles, as well as for up to 60 days abroad each year. Any individual items that are worth more than £2,000 must be specified on the policy. Under Privilege Platinum Home Insurance this cover ensures that your personal belongings (including up to £1,000 for money and £5,000 for credit cards) will be covered against theft, loss or accidental damage anywhere in the world.To obtain a quote for home insurance, click here
- Is a bicycle theft covered by my contents insurance?
If the bicycle is stolen from your home, (including its garages or outbuildings) this is automatically covered under standard Contents insurance. However, if the bicycle is stolen while away from your home, it will only be covered if Pedal Cycle cover has been selected (under the Privilege Home Insurance policy) or if Personal Possessions cover has been selected (under the Privilege Platinum policy). Pedal cycle cover is an optional extra under the Privilege Home Insurance policy. In order to obtain a quotation for contents insurance click here
- What type of home insurance cover is available to me?
Under our Privilege Home Insurance policy we offer Buildings, Contents, Personal Possessions, Pedal Cycle and Family Legal Protection as Home Insurance options. In addition, there is the option to include Accidental Damage cover in the Buildings and Contents sections. The Personal Possessions section covers items that are designed to be worn or carried away from the home and is available as an add-on to Contents insurance.Pedal Cycle cover is another optional add-on and will safeguard your cycle(s)and accessories while away from the home. Family Legal Protection provides up to £100,000 cover for you in legal costs. This cover helps you to pursue claims for death or personal injury and any disputes arising from contracts for goods and services, selling of goods, the rightful occupation or ownership of your home and contracts of employment. Also, a free 24-hour Legal Helpline is provided. Under our Privilege Platinum policy we offer Buildings and Contents as Home Insurance options inclusive of accidental damage cover. Personal Possessions cover (including pedal cycles up to £1,000 each) is included as standard when you select Contents cover. This policy also includes Family Legal Protection, Home Emergency cover, Annual Worldwide Travel cover and ID Fraud Detection and Assistance service as standard.
- Can I insure my property if it is let to tenants?
No, this is regarded as a commercial risk and, as such, Privilege is unable to provide cover.
- I live in a rented flat, can I take my contents cover with you?
Yes, provided you own all the contents of the flat i.e. it is not a rented furnished property. Our minimum sum insured is £15,000 under Privilege Home Insurance or £35,000 under Privilege Platinum.
- Will my Buildings insurance cover my outbuildings such as the garage and shed?
Yes. All domestic garages, outbuildings, sheds, extensions and conservatories fall under the definition of Buildings and are covered under that section. The Buildings section of your policy automatically provides unlimited buildings cover or cover up to £1,000,000 (dependent on the policy you choose) for the cost of rebuilding your home and any outbuildings.
- Can I arrange insurance cover just for my personal items?
No. A Personal Possessions policy is required for this and can only be purchased as an extension to a Contents policy.
- Do you give a no-claims discount on home insurance?
So many claims that are made on home insurance policies (e.g. storm damage, burst pipes, subsidence etc.), are not the fault of the policyholder so we do not issue a No Claims Discount for these policies. It would clearly be unfair to prejudice against a policyholder for making a claim for against an incident over which they had no control, so by not issuing and NCD at all, all customers are treated fairly. If you would like a quote on your home insurance, click here.
- Do you offer a new for old policy?
Our Home Contents policies all provide cover on a 'new for old' basis. However, a deduction will be made for wear and tear in any claim settlement involving clothing (under Privilege Home Insurance policy only) or any item or part which is not replaced or repaired.
- Can I insure a property that is not my permanent residence?
We may be able to offer cover for a second home provided that we already insure your main residence. However, we are unable to cover any second homes which are let out to holidaymakers or longer-term tenants. Certain differences in cover may apply, depending on the use of the second home. If you'd like a quote for a second home please give us a call.
- I am moving and my current home is still on the market. Will my Buildings cover remain in force whilst the property is unoccupied?
The Buildings cover on your current home will continue while it is on the market. However, please note that a number of exclusions automatically apply when the property has been left unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days. Details of these exclusions are listed in your policy booklet, but please call us if you would like more information.
- If I have a mortgage, will you note the lender’s interest on my policy?
Yes, we can also send them a copy of your policy schedule so you don't have to. You can add the name and address of your mortgage lender on the summary of details page which appears after you have entered your payment details.
- Can I insure my home if it is used for business?
Cover for home office equipment (e.g computers, printers, photocopiers and fax machines) is included automatically up to £5000 under the Privilege Home Insurance policy and up to £10,000 under the Privilege Platinum policy. If your home is used for anything other than paperwork and telephone calls e.g. if you receive visits from clients/customers, employ staff or keep business related cash or stock at the property, please call us to discuss your requirements.
- Can I insure my holiday home abroad?
No, our policies are only available within the UK, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
- Can I insure my caravan/mobile home with Privilege?
No - we are unable to offer this type of cover. However, Contents items temporarily removed from your Home to a caravan or mobile home are covered in certain circumstances. Please call if you require further details. At present we do not have an e-mail quote facility.If you require a quote please click here to go to our home page. Here you will be able to 'request a quote' online.
- I am the freeholder of a house converted into several flats. Can I arrange cover for the whole building?
No, this type of cover is known as a block policy. Privilege do not provide this type of policy.
- If I am adding an extension to my home, will I be covered for damage to the new building?
Your Buildings policy automatically includes cover for accidental breakage of fixed glass in windows/doors/roofs, fixed sanitary ware and accidental damage to underground drains, tanks, service pipes and cables. However, until the extension is completed any loss or damage to the extension and unfixed materials would normally be the responsibility of the building contractors carrying out the work. This is something you should check. It is possible that your builder may require you to insure the extension as part of your home insurance, under the terms of a 'Minor Buildings Works' contract. If this is the case, please call us for a quote, as this type of cover is not automatically included.
- How do I cancel my Privilege home insurance policy?
If you would like to cancel your policy, please call us on 0845 246 0223.
Claims
- How do I make a claim on my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a claim online - please call us.
- Can I choose the excess that I pay towards the cost of any home insurance claim?
Yes, you can select a voluntary excess of between £0-£500 under Privilege Home Insurance or between £0-£250 under Privilege Platinum. If you select a voluntary excess, your premium will be discounted.
Changing your policy or details
- How do I change the correspondence address for my home insurance policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I amend my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I amend the sums insured on my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I change my address on my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I remove contents cover from my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I change my telephone number on my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I remove buildings cover from my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I add buildings cover to my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I add contents cover to my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I change my email address on my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
- How do I renew my Home policy?
We are currently unable to process a change online - please call us.
Cancellations
- Do I get a refund if I cancel my home policy?
a) When you buy your policy
If you cancel your policy before it is due to start we will return any premium you have paid in full.
If you cancel your policy within 21 days of the day it is due to start or of the day on which you receive your documents (whichever is later) we will return any premium you have paid less an administration fee of up to £26.50 (inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax where applicable), providing you have not made any claims during that time.If you cancel your policy after that 21 day period we will return any unused premium less an administration fee of up to £26.50 (inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax where applicable), providing you have not made a claim during the current period of insurance.
b) When you renew your policy
If you cancel your policy within 21 days of receiving your documents, or of the start date of the policy (whichever occurs later), we will refund the premium you have paid in full, providing that you have not made any claims during that time.If you cancel your policy after that time we will refund any premium paid for the remaining period of insurance less an administration fee of up to £26.50 (including Insurance Premium Tax where applicable), providing that you have not made any claim during the current period of insurance.
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