Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed below a number of the questions that are often raised when a holiday home is being insured. If your question is not answered then please do not hesitate to contact our Sales Team on +44 (0)870 906 3682, they are available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5.00pm. Mention 1st for French Property

• Can Holiday Homes arrange immediate cover ?

Yes ! We are happy to hold cover over the phone for a period of 21 days during which time the fully completed proposal and payment of premium will be required. Remember if you have any queries in relation to the completion of the proposal then the Sales Team will be happy to assist.

• Does the policy provide Employers Liability ?

Yes ! Our policy automatically provides Employers Liability cover up to £10 million for any domestic staff.

• How much should I insure my Holiday Home for ?

For your Buildings you need to take into consideration not only the cost of rebuilding the main property but also any outbuildings, swimming pools, boundary walls in addition to solicitors and surveyors fees and demolition costs.

With your Contents you need to consider all household goods and personal property within your Holiday Home and how much you would have to pay to replace them as new. We do make a deduction for wear and tear for clothing and linen.

• What does “New For Old” mean ?

This means that the item referred to will be replaced for its current value without a deduction for wear, tear or betterment.

• Do I need to specify any valuables ?

We would recommend that you check your main household policy to see if it covers items outside of your permanent residence. This cover is often referred to as All Risks.

If you keep any items permanently in the holiday home and they exceed the single article limit then we will need to specify them on the policy schedule.

• Do I have cover away from my home ?

Our policy provides cover for your contents whilst within the confines of your holiday home, as above we would recommend that you speak to the Insurers of your main residence for cover away from the holiday home in respect of valuables and personal effects.

• Do I have Accidental Damage cover ?

Yes !Whilst the property is occupied by the insured and family members then accidental damage cover is given to both Buildings and Contents.

• Is full cover provided whilst my property is unoccupied ?

Full cover is provided subject to the security requirements being complied with and the property being furnished and the water being turned off at the mains and all equipment drained to its fullest extent if your property is to be unoccupied for more than 30 days or from the 1st November to the 31st March inclusive.

• Is Legal Cover included within your policy ?

We offer a free legal advice telephone line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year !

• How much do I have to pay in the event of a claim ?

Our policies state that you need to pay the first £50 of any claim for a property based in the United Kingdom and £25 for a property overseas, however don’t forget that this can be deleted for the payment of a small additional premium !

• What should I do in the event that I need to make a claim ?

We understand that in the event of an incident occurring then making a claim can be stressful and we aim to make the process of settling a claim as quick and painless as possible.

You should contact our Claims Team as soon as you think that you may need to make a claim, they are available from Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5.00pm on +44 (0)870 906 3682 who will be happy to help you and explain the process that you need to follow Mention 1st for French Property - don’t forget that our Helpline is available outside of normal office hours and the call to them is free!

In the event of a theft, malicious damage, vandalism or loss of property occurring then you must notify the local police station and obtain a crime reference number immediately or within 24 hours of the loss occurring or being discovered.

• Can I pay by monthly Direct Debit ?

Yes ! We are happy to accept payment subject to a completed Direct Debit Mandate, we don’t charge any interest just a small Administration Fee of £3.00 per month which is included within the monthly amount.

• In the event that I need to cancel my cover what do I do ?

If you need to cancel cover then simply notify us in writing for the reason for cancellation and state the date that you need cover to cease from - remember that if your policy is in more than one name then everyone will need to sign the letter !