Are there any experts in building insurance able to advise me?

[GloriousGoosebumps]

After many, many years of paying for building insurance my mother has just had to make a claim in respect of a crack in her landing wall.

She renewed her policy at the beginning of the month and Zurich have now written to her amending the terms of the policy. Three of the four new terms are -

1. The policy continuing in the name of our existing client.
   
2. The property still being owned and occupied by the client (unless temporary living elsewhere under the alternative accommodation provisions of the policy).
   
3. The property not being offered for sale or subject to contract with an intended purchaser.
   

My mother is unwell and is now in hospital. Does anyone know if I can argue that the policy should nevertheless continue if my mother moved to a Care Home but still owned the property? Or if Zurich can refuse to insure the property if my mother does not recover?

I will, of course, contact Zurich for clarification but it would be useful to have more information about their duties and responsibilities before I do so.

Thanks in advance.

[herhonesty]

i seem to recall that insurers would have to continue to cover the building e.g if another buyer (maybe ..but not 100%) but as with all insurance companies it is best to clarify - i would call and be upfront about the issue. sorry not to be of more help. I think they would be a very sticky wicket if they refused to cover.

you oculd look at the ABI website for more information (assoc of british insurers)

[DisparityCausesInstability]

We recently had a change of circumstance and it modified the risk profile of our property because it is no longer occupied - will that be the case with your Mum's house? If so they will speak to they're underwriters and let you know the new terms, costs involved and any endorsements - if these aren't acceptable to you then you can approach a broker who should be able to help you obtain vacant property insurance.
Have you mentioned the claim because you are concenred about increased premiums if you move companies? Hard to know whether a new company will increase or not - you may be pleasantly surprised.