24/01/2025
Myth-Busting Common Misconceptions: Transferring Insurance Cover from Vendor to Buyer
"I’ve just purchased a thatched property that you currently insure. Can you put the policy in my name, please?"
This is a question we hear quite often, and we truly appreciate when our existing customers recommend us. It's always an advantage when we currently insure a property—our files often include helpful documentation (shared with permission from the vendor, minus any personal details, of course).
However, transferring an insurance policy isn’t as simple as just changing the name on it. Policies are tailored to individual policyholders, and several factors are taken in to account, such as:
✔️ Customer age
✔️ Occupation
✔️ Length of time cover has been held
✔️ No claims discount
Additionally, new buyers often have different insurance needs, such as:
🔹 Contents cover levels (higher, lower, or none)
🔹 Adding or changing personal possessions cover
🔹 Property usage changes (e.g., business use, letting, or unoccupied status)
🔹 Deciding on optional extras like accidental damage, legal protection, or home emergency cover
Important Reminder:
One scenario we occasionally encounter involves discrepancies in property risk details. For example, new buyers might obtain a RICS reinstatement valuation that differs significantly from the vendor’s insured figure. While it’s the policyholder’s responsibility to ensure disclosures are accurate, buyers sometimes assume the vendor's information is always correct. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
COMING SOON:
We’ll soon release a "Guide to Insuring Your First Thatched Home" to help simplify the process of obtaining and comparing quotes for your new home.
In the meantime, speak with one of our experts—we’d be delighted to guide you through the process and ensure you get the right cover for your needs.