How to insure a flat?

[Pythia]

I recently bought the downstairs half of a Victorian terrace, and I can't find a company to insure it. The mortgage company won't, but aren't chasing me for details of who is - I thought mortgaged properties were supposed to be insured? Any advice or ideas?

[CheekyChops]

Mortgaged properties are supposed to be insured, in case they burn down or something and need rebuilding. 

Mortgage companies usually insist on Buildings cover as a minimum but they are not obliged to insure you themselves.

[jake-the-peg]

Why won't anybody insure it?

You need to find this out and put it right urgently - Is there some structural problem or some sort of legal issue?

[Pythia]

Nothing wrong structurally, it's just that all the insurance companies I've phoned "don't do flats". I can't understand it - we don't have a 'management committee'  which insures the whole building, there's just them upstairs and me downstairs. Them upstairs say they're insured but don't seem to know who with (duh). How do other owners of half-houses manage? 

[jake-the-peg]

Very odd - why don't you ask them who insures them? Maybe you just got unlucky with who you asked for a quote

[Pythia]

I have asked but they haven't come back to me with ananswer. But they're really weird so I've not pushed it. I've tried three or four of the standard insurance companies, and they all said they don't do flats. Even Alliance & Leicester, who gave me the mortgage including an insurance offer, then said "We don't do flats" when I wanted to take them up on it!

Guess I'll just try again.

[RAYMAN]

Try www.theidol.com

[jake-the-peg]

or

http://www.coverquote.co.uk/cover/fsintro.shtml

[Pythia]

Way to go, guys!

I've just applied for quotes from both. Coverquote might not play - they may be more interested in whole blocks of flats, but The Idol's already come up with two.

Thank you both

[rozspowage]

Try

Quoteline, Botanical House, Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Manchester, Lancashire M16 0PQ
Tel: [phone]  

They insured my flat for me.   

[Pythia]

Thanks, roz, I'll give them a try too.