Your Home

Insuring your property

What home insurance cover do you require?

Buildings & Contents Buildings only Contents only

Buildings

Your buildings are classed as the actual structure of the property and its decorations including fixtures and fittings. It also includes outbuildings, garages, drives, patios, walls, fences, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Contents:

Your contents are classed as your household goods, eg furniture, furnishings, carpets, curtains, clothes, televisions, etc. as well as valuables and personal belongings within the home. These must be your property or of a joint policyholder or of anyone permanently living at the property.

When do you need cover to start?

Property details

Search for address

The address to be insured is

, ,

Number or name of the property

Address line 1

Address line 2

Town / City

County

Postcode

What type of property is it?

House Flat Bungalow Other

What type of {0} is it?

Do you own or rent the property?

Which company has provided your mortgage?

Do you have a mortgage reference number which you wish to be noted on the policy?

In what year was the property constructed?

If you don't know when the property was built, please check your mortgage valuation or home buyers report. If you are still unsure please enter an approximate year.

How many bedrooms does the property have?

Please tell us how many bedrooms there are in the property, including bedrooms that are used as a study, for example.

How many years have you continuously held this type of insurance?

Answering this question helps us to calculate how many years no claims discount we can offer you - which could save you up to 25%. This information may also be used at the time of making a claim to help combat insurance fraud. Please note that the figure you enter here should be for the most recent period immediately preceding the start of this policy and is only valid for the exact type of insurance you are applying for (eg Buildings cover, Contents cover, Buildings & Contents cover)

Building construction

What are the walls made of?

Brick Stone Other

Please select what your walls are made of?

What is the roof made of?

Is any of the roof thatched?

Yes No

What percentage of the roof is thatched?

What type of thatch is used?

When was the roof last re-thatched?

When was the thatched portion of the roof last inspected?

What condition is the thatched portion of the roof in?

For how many years have you lived in a thatched property?

Please tell us here how many years you have lived in a thatched property, not just the one you refer to in this application

Has an extension been built on to the property?

Yes No

What year was the extension completed on?

When was the property last re-wired

When was the wiring in the property last inspected?

You will need to have the wiring inspected by a contractor who is a member of one of these bodies. NICEIC stands for National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. ECA stands for Electrical Contractors Association.

When is your latest NICEIC/ECA certificate dated?

What kind of fire extinguishing measures do you have in place?

What type of heating system is installed in the property?

Is there a wood/solid fuel stove or fire?

Yes No

Are there any chimneys, and how are they positioned?

How high (in metres) above the thatched portion of the roof is the lowest pot on any 'active' chimney?

'Active' chimneys refers to those chimneys that have (or will have) any sort of heating source on the hearth below.

Are all the 'active' chimneys lined?

Yes No

'Active' chimneys refers to those chimneys that have (or will have) any sort of heating source on the hearth below.

Are there spark arrestors in all 'active' chimneys?

Yes No

'Active' chimneys refers to those chimneys that have (or will have) any sort of heating source on the hearth below.

Does the property have any outbuildings?

Yes No

Outbuildings

Click "Delete" to remove this outbuilding from your list.

Is the roof more than 33% (percent) flat?

Yes No

What percentage of the roof is flat?

What is the flat portion of the roof made of?

In what year was the roof last inspected?

If you have not had the roof inspected within the last 5 years you'll need to have this done. You may still buy your cover from us, but you need to have the inspection done within 30 days of the start date of the cover and any defects must be repaired within 60 days of the inspection date. The survey does not need to be carried out by a surveyor but can be done by a qualified builder or roofer. You'll be required to provide documentary proof of any inspection and works at the time of a claim.

Is any part of the property listed?

Yes No

Listing marks a building's special interest and brings it under the consideration of the planning system. If it needs to be repaired or rebuilt, it may be a requirement to maintain it in a particular style or material. This can affect the cost of rebuilding or repairing it.

Which grade of listing is it?

The grades reflect the relative architectural and historic interest of buildings: Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important. Grade II 'starred' buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. 'Star' features would include items such as staircases, fireplaces, period doors, ceilings and other architectural fixtures and fittings in the list description. Grade II buildings are nationally important and of special interest. 92% of all listed buildings are in Grade II and it is the most likely grade of listing for home owners.

Does the property have a basement, cellar or other area below ground level?

Yes No

How would you describe the outbuilding?

What are the walls made of?

How would you describe the outbuilding's state of repair?

What is the roof made of?

What percentage of the roof is thatched?

How far away (in metres) is the outbuilding from the main building? e.g. 0.7, 1.6 etc

About your property

What is the cost of rebuilding the property?Note: not the market value! Use online guide

You should insure for the cost of totally rebuilding your property, NOT what its market value is. The amount to rebuild is generally less than the property's market value, as you don't have to pay for the land again if you rebuild.

Normally, we automatically offer up to £500,000 of cover to rebuild your property. However, in certain circumstances, it will be covered for up to the amount you have specified to rebuild your property. If you are unsure as to whether £500,000 would be enough or what the rebuilding cost for your property is, please click here to get an idea from the insurance industry trade body as to how much it would cost. Note that the online guide price is only applicable for Standard construction houses, and not Listed buildings. If you are still unsure, please call us.

Outbuildings – these include any detached outbuildings such as garages, workshops, sheds, greenhouses, summerhouses etc as well as boundary walls and outdoor swimming-pools.

Your policy includes £7,500 cover for rebuilding or repairing all detached outbuildings. Is this sufficient?

Yes No

Your policy automatically includes £7,500 cover for rebuilding or repairing outbuildings.

If you need any more than that please enter the total amount of cover you require i.e. if you need £10,000 cover for Outbuildings, please enter 10000 in the box (not 2500).

Outbuildings – these include (but are not limited to): detached garages, sheds, boundary or garden walls, fences, tennis courts, swimming pools, external car ports, driveways, patios, artificial lawns, septic tanks, soakaways or sewage treatment centres.

Please enter the total amount of cover you require for rebuilding or repairing outbuildings.(note: not just the amount over £7,500. For example, if you need £10,000 cover, enter '10000' here, not '2500')

Your policy automatically includes £7,500 cover for rebuilding or repairing outbuildings.

If you need any more than that please enter the total amount of cover you require i.e. if you need £10,000 cover for Outbuildings, please enter 10000 in the box (not 2500).

Is the property in a good state of repair and will it be kept so during the policy term?

Yes No

A good state of repair would mean that the property is in good condition and that any necessary repairs and improvements to walls, roofs, chimneys, windows, doors, heating & electrics are carried out to keep it in good condition.

Why is the property not in a good state of repair?

Within the last 25 years, has the property(please select all that apply)

been the subject of an insurance claim for subsidence, landslip or heave?

been/being monitored and/or been recommended that it should be monitored for signs of subsidence, landslip or heave?

suffered any structural movement or settlement, subsidence, landslip or heave?

shown signs of damage caused by structural movement or settlement, subsidence landslip or heave?

Subsidence is where the ground contracts, heave is where the ground expands. Both can cause a building to become unstable. Subsidence, landslip or heave can be caused by many different reasons: the type of soil such as clay; collapse of drains; inadequate foundations; a latent defect such as a fault in the design or construction of the property/foundations; settlement of newly created ground such as landfill; underground mining; sloping ground; tree roots absorbing moisture.

In what year did the issue occur?

Was this the only subsidence incident?

Yes No

What was the cause of the ground movement?

Ground movement can be caused by many different reasons: climatic conditions such as drought, causing the ground to contract (subsidence) or prolonged rain causing the ground to expand (heave); collapse of drains through wear and tear; collapse of drains caused by tree roots; tree root damage; removal/over-pruning of a tree; building works at the property; building works at a neighbouring property; other causes.

Was the main structure of the property affected?i.e. not just a detached garage or outbuilding

Yes No

We need to know whether the structural movement that happened at the property affected the main building or any structures connected to the main building, or if it just affected other, detached, structures like a garage, shed, workshop, path, fence etc

Were any other properties nearby affected in a similar way at the time?

Yes No

Was the cause removed or rectified?

Is the property situated in an area known to have had a history of mining?

Yes No

Do you have a valuation/survey report from a suitably qualified professional into any structural movement or settlement?

Yes No

The report should be by a qualified structural engineer who is a member of a professional body such as IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers) or the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) and will have after his or her name either the letters MIStructE, FIStructE, MICE or FICE.

Does that report confirm that the movement/settlement is longstanding, historic (i.e. the property is no longer affected) AND also confirms that such movement is insignificant enough not to require further investigation?(please note that you will need to provide us with that documentation before we are able to accept your application)

Yes No

Are there any trees over 5 metres tall (16ft) which are within 7 metres (23ft) of the property?

Yes No

A tree 5 metres tall is about the same as the top of the second floor of a house. 7 metres away is about the same as 2 small hatchbacks parked back-to-back. If there are trees near a building, they can soak up moisture from the ground, particularly at times of low rainfall, and cause it to shrink. This causes a lack of support to a property's foundations and can lead to subsidence.

Trees

Click "Delete" to remove this tree from your list.

Has the property previously been underpinned or otherwise had its foundations reinforced?

Yes No

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilising the foundations of an existing building. Underpinning may be necessary for a variety of reasons:

The nature of the soil supporting the foundations of the building may have changed (possibly through subsidence) or was not understood during planning and construction.
The construction of nearby buildings requires the excavation of soil supporting existing foundations.
The original foundations are not strong or stable enough, e.g. due to decay of wooden piles under the foundations.
The use of the building has changed.

Underpinning usually involves extending the depth or breadth of the foundations so they either rest on a stronger layer of soil or distribute the load across a greater area. It may sometimes involve providing a new, different form of foundation.

In what year was the property underpinned?

How much of the property was underpinned?

Was the property underpinned as a result of an insurance claim?

Yes No

Do you have a survey from a suitably qualified professional that has been carried out since the underpinning or structural support works were completed?

Yes No

Does the report confirm that there has been no further movement since the work was carried out?

Yes No

Is the structural work that was carried out still covered by a contractor's guarantee?

Yes No

In what year does that guarantee expire?(please note that you will need to provide us with that documentation before we are able to accept your application)

Was the local authority Building Control Department involved in the work?

Yes No

The building control department may require the use of special foundations or other measures and provide a framework for the monitoring and control of the work, which should help to prevent any recurrence of potential problems arising from known causes of subsidence in your area.

Has the property flooded within its boundaries in the last 25 years?

Yes No

This means flooded from an outside source, such as from a river or other watercourse. This does not include flooding caused by burst pipes or leaking water storage tanks.

Floods

Click "Delete" to remove this flooding incident from your list.

What measures have been taken since the last flood to limit future flooding?(select all that apply)

Antiflood barrier fitted at property boundary

Sandbags

Floodboards

Plastic airbrick covers

Change ground floor flooring to waterproof covering eg: ceramic tiles

Raised electrical sockets above 1.5m on ground floor

Main parts of heating system moved upstairs

Non-return valves fitted to all drains and all water-inlet pipes

Wooden doors and window frames replaced with uPVC on ground floor

Basement/cellar has been fully 'tanked'

Other

Has the property been the subject of a claim for flood damage in the last 25 years?

Yes No

Do you have a flood report from the Environment Agency?

Yes No

Do you subscribe to the Flood Watch service provided by the Environment Agency?

Yes No

Is a community flood defence in place?

Yes No

What type of flood defence?

What year was the flood defence constructed?

Has your property flooded since?

Yes No

Is the property situated within 200 metres of any tidal waters, rivers, streams or other body of water?

Yes No

You need to tell us if the boundary of the property is within 200m of any watercourse

How far from the water is the nearest building/outbuilding on your premises?

Metres/Feet

How high above the water line is the lowest part of that building/outbuilding?

Metres/Feet

Is the property undergoing any renovation?

Yes No

Renovation work could have an effect on your home insurance so we need to know about this.

Does the renovation involve structural work, electrical wiring, plumbing or other use of blow torches, etc.?

Yes No

Structural work would involve alteration, for example, to a load bearing wall.

What is the nature of the renovation?

Please give a description of the work that is to be done, in particular, any structural work.

Has planning permission been obtained?

Yes No

Your local authority/council have to approve both the design and the actual building work if it involves structural alterations. Even if the alterations do not involve structural work, they may need to approve both the design and the building work.

When did the renovation start or when is it due to start?

When is the work due to be completed?

Are contractors (i.e. tradesmen) carrying out the work?

Yes No

Do you have a Contractor's All Risks (CAR) policy in place?

Yes No

Have you signed a Contractor's liability waiver?

Yes No

This is a contract condition which you may have been asked to sign by your Contractor or Architect. It effectively means that the Contractor will not be held responsible for any damage they cause, and you and/or your insurer will be left to pay for, and repair any damage they cause.

Do you have £1 million liability insurance per contractor?

Yes No

Are you living in the property during the renovation?

Yes No

What is the total cost of the renovation including VAT? (this is the value of the contract(s) plus any other forecast costs and MUST include VAT)If the Contract is for a substantial amount, for example £40,000, then a copy of the plans will be required.

If the Contract is for a substantial amount, for example £40,000, then a copy of the plans will be required.

What impact will the renovation have on the size of the property?

If the renovation will increase the size of the property, please state by how much it will increase.

Is the property self-contained with its own lockable entrances?

Yes No

If your property has a shared entrance/exit onto the street, e.g. a flat in a purpose-built block or converted house, the following questions about locks relate to the door(s) and windows on your own property only, NOT on the main entrance/exit.

What type of lock is fitted to the main entrance?

5 lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621 Key operated multi-point locking system Rim automatic deadlatch with key locking handle Other

You may qualify for a discount if you have one of the following types of lock:

a 5 lever mortice deadlock conforming to British Standard BS3621 (you can check this by opening your door and looking at the lock face to see if you can see the British Standard ''kite mark'' and the marking BS 3621)
a key operated multi-point lock system (for example, if the door is UPVC or double glazed)
a rim auto deadlatch with key locking handle

Click here for more information on types of lock.

Please note: If you are eligible for a discount for security and you opt for this, you must comply with the security terms and conditions, (for example, all the locks must be in operation if a theft occurs) otherwise a penalty will apply, such as an increase in the theft excess - see the specific terms and conditions for details.

If you wish to avoid this penalty, you can opt not to have the discount (the specific ''security'' terms and conditions will not then apply) by clicking on the ''Other'' in the drop down box.

In some areas, it will be necessary for you to have security in order for us to be able to offer you insurance.

What type of lock is fitted to your patio doors?

You may qualify for a discount if you have one of the following types of lock:

a top & bottom key operated lock
a central rail key operated lock
a key operated multi-point lock
or if you have no patio doors

Click here for more information on types of lock.

Please note: if you are eligible for a discount for security and you opt for this, you must comply with the security terms and conditions, (for example, all the locks must be in operation if a theft occurs) otherwise a penalty will apply, such as an increase in the theft excess - see the specific terms and conditions for details.

If you wish to avoid this penalty, you can opt not to have the discount (the specific ''security'' terms and conditions will not then apply) by clicking on the ''Other'' in the drop down box.

In some areas, it will be necessary for you to have security in order for us to be able to offer you insurance.

What type of lock is fitted to other exits?

You may qualify for a discount if you have one of the following types of lock:

a 5 lever mortice deadlock conforming to British Standard BS3621 (you can check this by opening your door and looking at the lock face to see if you can see the British Standard ''kite mark'' and the marking BS 3621)
a key operated multi-point lock system (for example, if the door is UPVC or double glazed)
a rim auto deadlatch with key locking handle
key operated security bolts at top & bottom
or if you have no other exits

Click here for more information on types of lock.

If you wish to avoid this penalty, you can opt not to have the discount (the specific ''security'' terms and conditions will not then apply) by clicking on the ''Other'' in the drop down box.

In some areas, it will be necessary for you to have security in order for us to be able to offer you insurance.

Are there key operated locks on all accessible windows?

Yes No

Accessible is defined as on the ground floor, at basement level or within easy reach of ground level and capable of being opened. Only select ''Yes'', if all accessible windows/skylights are secured with key operated locks.

Is there a functioning alarm at the property?

Yes No

You should only select ''Yes'' if your alarm is in full working order and is actively used, as if you suffer a burglary and your alarm has not been switched on, it could result in your claim being rejected or not being fully paid. You may need to install an alarm or upgrade your locks to ensure you are covered for theft. Please comply with any specific terms when you obtain your quote to prevent theft claims from being rejected or not paid in full.

Is it a NSI, NACOSS, SSAIB or BSIA alarm system, fitted and maintained under contract?

Yes No

NACOSS and NSI authorised installers guarantee a minimum level to which your alarm system has been installed. It means that we may be able to give an extra discount too.

Does the alarm only ring at the property (audible only) or is it also connected to a central monitoring service?

Type of tree?

Guidance on the type of tree, please click here!

Where is the tree situated?

Has the tree been pollarded (heavy pruning of all upper branches) or similarly maintained?

Yes No

Is the tree subject to a preservation order?

Yes No

Height (in metres) of the tree, e.g. 5.3, 6.2

Distance (in metres) from the property, e.g. 0.55, 1.3

A tree 7 metres away is about the same as 2 small hatchbacks parked back-to-back. If there are trees near a building, they can soak up moisture from the ground, particularly at times of low rainfall, and cause it to shrink. This causes a lack of support to a property's foundations and can lead to subsidence.

Has this tree or its roots been the cause of damage to the property?

Yes No

What was the date of the flood?

Were the buildings (including outbuildings, garages etc) themselves affected ?

Yes No

What was the cause of the flood?

What depth (in metres) was the flood? e.g. 0.63, 1.5 etc