About Buildings and Contents Insurance

Find out how to make a claim on buildings insurance and learn more about contents insurance.

Plumlife has an insurance policy covering all the buildings we own and the majority of apartments we manage on behalf of others. This means that if you are a shared ownership home owner or you live in an apartment where Plumlife owns or manages the block we are obliged to arrange your insurance as per the terms of your lease. Buildings insurance is arranged by our parent company – Great Places, and will be included as part of your service charge or as an additional charge.

If Plumlife (Great Places) are your landlord then in most instances the policy is provided by Protector via our insurance broker Marsh Ltd. If Plumlife are the managing agents then your policy may be provided by another party depending on what type of estate or block you live in.

If you are not sure who insures your policy then please contact us before making a claim. 

From the 1st October 2024 Plumlife have arranged cover with a new insurer following a tender process. This new insurer is called Protector.

 

How is the Buildings Insurance charge calculated?

The insurance premium amount is based on several factors including but not limited to, the type and age of the property, construction details, tenure, location, and the rebuild value. To ensure all properties are insured for the correct amount Great Places Housing Group recently instructed a reinstatement cost evaluation for all properties we are required to insure.

The reinstatement figures are the cost to completely rebuild a property. It includes every aspect – from demolishing a severely damaged building and clearing the site, to the material and labour costs of rebuilding it. All these costs have increased because of high inflation rates and a shortage of materials. We have used this reinstatement cost to apportion each customer’s contribution to the overall insurance policy.

For example, if you live in a shared ownership house, your insurance premium is based of the value of your house and the cost to rebuild it. If you live in an apartment block, you will contribute to the cost of rebuilding the block. How the charge is split is defined within your lease agreement.

How to make a claim?

As you are the owner of your property, it is your responsibility to report any damage to the insurers directly as soon as possible, to help prevent any further damage or issues. If you have made a claim, please contact your Property Manager to let them know there has been an incident as neighbours may also be affected.

When you report a claim, you will be assigned a Claims Handler who will provide you with all of the information you need to know. You will be responsible for the paying the excess on any buildings insurance claims you make, and arranging your own contractor to address any repairs that form part of the claim. In some circumstances, the insurance provider can offer the services of their approved contractors. However, it is often quicker for you to arrange your own contractors directly.

Online: https://claims-at-net.protectorinsurance.co.uk/gbr/en

Email: claims@protectorinsurance.co.uk

Telephone: 0161 274 9077

 

The policy number for Protector is – 3712338

A summary of cover can be found here.

 

If your claim date is before 1st October 2024 you will need to report this to the previous insurer – Zurich under policy number – HA-22S511-0013

Telephone: 0800 923 4200

Website: https://propertyclaims.zurich.co.uk/index.html

 

If you have purchased a Shared Ownership property under the new model Shared Ownership lease and therefore benefit from the initial repairs contribution period, this money from within this can be used to pay the excess on a claim.

Please be mindful of the amount you are claiming for as multiple claims do affect the insurance policy. Increased claims lead to increased insurance premiums for all leasehold and shared owners.

Contents Insurance

In all situations, homeowners are responsible for arranging their own contents insurance, even those customers who rent their property from us. We work with a major insurance company to provide a special offer on contents insurance for Plumlife customers.

We work with a major insurer to offer home contents insurance that can be paid in weekly instalments, at very competitive rates. Unlike some insurances, for Plumlife customers, there are no excesses – so nothing to pay in the event of a claim. Please note, the branding of the insurance page will carry the Great Places logo.

 

Click here to download ‘A Guide to Contents Insurance‘.

Contents Insurance Summary

With home contents insurance, your personal belongings are insured against:

  • Accidental damage
  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Flooding / escape of water

Reasons to choose the cover:

  • It covers replacement locks and keys if they are stolen or lost
  • Being able to claim for the contents of fridge / freezer
  • Accidental damage to TV and mobile phones
  • Cover for damage to decorations from floods and leaks
  • Claiming for replacement of accidental damage of windows

The policy is underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited.

You can apply:

Acceptance restrictions may apply for conviction and claims experience. Terms and conditions apply. The policy is underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited and administered by Wessex Administration Services Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You must review the Important Notice and Declaration in the application pack before calling to apply.

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