morro

I have been using AA insurance for a few years. They always added a surcharge of £15 upon renewal, so I always ignored it and took out a new policy! Now Towergate have taken over their business and want to charge an extra £40 for a renewal
​​​+ a £31.50 service charge!!!! Just to renew!
Can anyone recommend a company with a fair renewal policy.

toots sweet

I'm assuming your holiday home is in Portugal, so why not use a PT company. We have been using Tranqilidade for a couple of years and they only ever put the price up 4-5€ per year.

chislenko

I have for the last 17 years used a company in Bolton. Price has hardly changed in all that time but have never had to claim so can't offer any views on how good or bad they are at paying out.

Not sure of the rules for naming companies on here but they are called Schofields.

NB. If this is against the regs please remove post.

morro

I tried Schofield but they no longer cover Portugal!
I use Tranqilidade for my car insurance so I will ask them for a quote.

chislenko

Is that a new thing morro? I guess I will find out in April when renewal due. I recall last year they did (for the first time) request my NIF number.

morro

I assume that it is due to Brexit! Maybe not taking on new business?

chislenko

Yes, just had a look at their website, not selling any overseas holiday home insurance at present.

As you say probably another "benefit" of Brexit. Just of late it does appear to be one thing after another.

We had always planned to sell up when we hit 70, only six years away but the way things are going we are now looking at bringing that forward.

I can see quite a few British holiday home owners around Europe saying enough is enough especially with what seems no end in clear sight to actually use their properties.

spiggle

We use Abbeygate Insurance broker based in Loule. English speaking and helpful. They sourced us a policy with Insuremyvilla based in Nottingham. Hope this helps.
If this post breaks any rules I have no problem with it being deleted.

Spig

BillBullock

Or go to insuremyvilla online and cut out the middle man like I do.

Loafing Along

some of the most competitive rates you get from Medal - they are the insurance brokers who work with AFPOP the association here for foreign residents and Visitors.

chislenko

Insuremyvilla now displaying the "We will no longer be offering overseas insurance" message Bill.

BillBullock

All change then since 1 January.

chislenko

Yes looks like it, I suppose more worryingly for those of us part way through an insurance year with a Brit company would they pay out if a claim was made or would they say they now can't facilitate.

It could leave many of us "thinking" we are insured.

Andyj100

You should have been moved to European underwriters a year or so ago; it's probably too much trouble for UK based brokers now. A UK underwritten policy won't be able to pay out. The certificate of insurance should state who the underwriters are.

I insure my place in France with Allianz, directly with a local office, and they are very helpful.

liveaboard

I once had a serious insurance claim (not in Portugal), and I was VERY happy to have bought from a local office of high repute.

They paid out a solid amount within a few days so I could get repairs started, sent their expert to advise, and after the work was done and receipts presented, they paid the balance within a week.

Cheap is good; but if you buy insurance, it's good to know that if there is ever a claim, there's someone who has a reputation worth keeping.