FAQs
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Income Protection Insurance
How do I transfer from my current protection provider?
That is easy, and we will waive the initial 120 day exclusion period normally imposed at the beginning of a policy provided that:
- There is no gap in cover. Make sure that the start date of the new policy and the cancellation date of the old policy are the same
- You have had your current policy for 6 months
- The benefit on your new policy needs to be the same as on your current policy. It is possible to increase the amount, but the 120 day exclusion will apply to that increased amount
- The cover is like for like (the same cover options)
Make sure you inform your current insurer and cancel your Direct Debit.
What is an excess period?
This is the period you would need to cover yourself should you loose your income, for instance with savings or because of redundancy payouts. With British Insurance you can choose back to day one, a 30, 60, 90 or 180 days excess period. After your excess period, there is a waiting period of 30 days before payments are made, during which you need to be off work.
| Excess Period | Waiting period | First monthly benefit payable |
|---|---|---|
| Back to day one ( 0 days) | 30 days | Day 31 |
| 30 days | 60 days | Day 61 |
| 60 days | 90 days | Day 91 |
| 90 days | 120 days | Day 121 |
| 180 days | 210 days | Day 211 |
Who provides this protection cover?
British Insurance has selected a number
of insurers to provide you with cover. We will let you know the
insurer after you have completed your quote as it depends on your
age and the type of cover you select. You will then also have
access to the policy summary and full policy wording
I live in the Isle of Man/Channel Islands – can I apply for payment protection insurance?
No, unfortunately we only cover
people living in the United Kingdom.
How do I buy this insurance?
Just complete the application form
online, which consists of a few questions, your contact details and
your bank details. Payment is by monthly Direct Debit.
Do you provide unemployment only cover?
Yes, we do provide
unemployment only cover, apart from with the 180 days excess
period. It is worth considering including the accident and sickness
option, as it will only add a few pounds a month to your redundancy
insurance and if you are ill it can allow you to concentrate on
getting better, rather than worry about your finances.
What is this insurance designed to do?
Protection insurance is designed
to provide you with an income when you cannot work due to an
accident or sickness and/or unemployment. At British Insurance we
offer three types of protection cover: mortgage protection which
can cover your mortgage payment (you can choose to increase this by
up to 25% for related expenses), income protection which can cover
any outgoings for credit card payments, household bills and school
fees, as well as your rent or mortgage, and loan protection which
covers your loan repayments, and includes life and terminal illness
cover.
Where can I find the policy wording for the policy I wish to apply for?
The policy wording that relates to
you is dependant on the product options you select. You will be
able to access the policy wording and policy summary after you have
used the quick quote facility. However, please note, if you change
the criteria for your quote, the insurer and the policy wordings
may change. Don’t worry, we ensure that you can read the wording,
and the eligibility criteria again before you commit to buy. There
is also a 30 day cooling off period at the start of the policy,
during which you can cancel and get a full refund, so long as you
have not made a claim.
Do I need a mortgage, loan or credit card to be insured under this insurance?
To apply for mortgage protection
cover, you do need to have a mortgage on the residential property
that you occupy, and it can only cover your monthly mortgage
repayment plus up to an extra 25%. Similarly, to apply for loan
protection insurance, you must have a loan. However, for income
payment protection you do not need a mortgage, which means you can
protect your credit card payments, household bills and school fees.
For all three covers, you will need a regular, taxable, monthly
income.
To apply for Loan Payment Protection
insurance, you must have a personal Loan Agreement in force at the
Policy Start Date. This does not include a mortgage
agreement.
Important Note: If you make a successful claim under British Insurance Protection, benefits will be paid directly to you and not to a mortgage or loan provider. Accordingly, please be aware that this will mean that as you are in receipt of an income, your eligibility for State ‘means tested’ Benefits such as Income Support, may be affected. If you require further details, you should check with your local Job Centre Plus.
Can I have joint cover?
British Insurance does not offer
joint cover. Each person wishing to be insured needs to take out a
separate policy.
What types of cover are available under this insurance?
For both income payment protection and mortgage payment protection, British Insurance offers the following three cover options:
- Accident, sickness and unemployment cover
- Accident and sickness only cover
- Unemployment only cover(except for 180 day excess)
When does this insurance start to pay benefits?
There are 5 excess period options:
Back to day 1
If you are entitled to benefits (entitlement commences after the
first 30 days of you being unable to work) you will be paid the
benefit on the 31st day back to the first day you could not
work.
30 days excess period
If you are entitled to benefits you will be paid the benefit on the
61st day from the 31st day you could not work. The benefit payable
in the first month of entitlement will depend on the insurer -
please check your policy details.
60 days excess period
If you are entitled to benefits you will be paid the benefit on the
91st day from the 61st day you could not work. The benefit payable
in the first month of entitlement will depend on the insurer -
please check your policy details.
90 days excess period
If you are entitled to benefits you will be paid the benefit on the
121st day from the 91st day you could not work. The benefit payable
in the first month of entitlement will depend on the insurer -
please check your policy details.
180 days excess period
If you are entitled to benefits you will be paid the benefit on the
211th day from the 181st day you could not work. The benefit
payable in the first month of entitlement will depend on the
insurer - please check your policy details.
How much benefit can I insure?
The maximum monthly benefit that
you can insure under Income Protection Insurance is £1,500 or 50%
of your gross monthly income, whichever the lesser.
The maximum monthly benefit for Mortgage Protection is £2,000 or 50% of your gross monthly income.
How long does this insurance cover me for?
All Mortgage, Income and Loan
Protection policies British Insurance offers will pay claims
benefit for up to 12 months.
How long does this insurance last?
The policies offered are on a
rolling contract that operates on a monthly basis and continues for
each month that you pay your premium. Cover can continue until you
retire, reach the age of 65 or until you or the insurer cancel.
Further information, about the end date of cover, may be found in
the Policy Wording.
Am I eligible to receive benefit under this insurance?
You are only eligible to receive
benefits under the payment protection policies that British
Insurance offer provided that you meet certain conditions. It is
therefore essential that you satisfy yourself that these conditions
apply to you, for further information please go to the eligibility
section on the Payment Protection page
How long do I have to wait before this insurance covers me for unemployment or carer benefit?
The policies we offer, like all
similar accident, sickness and unemployment insurance policies,
have an ‘initial exclusion period’ at the start of the policy. This
means that during the first 120 days of cover, it is not possible
to make a claim for unemployment or carer benefit. Further
information, about when you can and can’t claim for unemployment or
carer benefit, may be seen in the Policy Wording.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim under the policies
we offer is a very straightforward process. All you need to do is
call the claims line number as found in your policy documents.
Further information, about how to make a claim, may also be seen in
the Policy Wording.
How do I change my monthly benefit?
To change your monthly
benefit under the policies we offer is a very simple process. All
you need to do is call the administrators for your policy, whose
number can be found in the policy documents. Further information,
about how to change your benefit, may be seen in the Policy
Wording.
What if my circumstances change once I am insured?
It is very important that you
inform the underwriters, (or their administrators) of any changes
to your personal circumstances, such as a change to your address or
employment status. This is not a complete list and if you are
unsure as to whether something is relevant, you should always
disclose it. Failure to do so could invalidate a future claim.
Further information about what to do if your circumstances change
may be seen in the Policy Wording.
How do I cancel this insurance?
You can cancel your cover
under the policies we offer at anytime by writing to the
underwriters for your policy, details of which can be found in the
policy wording. In addition, you have a cooling-off period of 30
days at the start of your policy, during which you can cancel and
get a full refund. Further information, about your cancellation
rights, may be found in the Policy Wording.
How do I make a complaint?
In the unlikely event that
you wish to make a complaint about the policies we offer, or the
service you have received, the companies involved will do all that
is possible to put things right. Further information, about how to
make a complaint, may be seen in the Policy Wording.
Holiday Home Insurance
Why can't I buy standard home insurance for my holiday home?
- There are restrictions and limits on cover in standard home insurance which cannot be imposed on a holiday home, for instance with regard to occupancy and renting out your property.
- Standard home insurance normally has a condition on how long your home may be unoccupied for, and also require it to be your main residence. This 2nd home insurance does not have that condition (although there are some restrictions if your home is unoccupied and you do need to make sure you take precautions so your home is safe and secure).
- You also may wish to rent out your holiday home, or have family and friends stay in it. Unlike standard home insurance, this second home insurance provides for this.
- In addition, if you have a holiday home abroad, there is extra cover you need that is not offered by standard home insurance: In certain circumstances will pay towards your travelling expenses/alternative accommodation if an emergency that is covered by this policy has happened to your overseas holiday home.
- French home insurance, Spanish home insurance and Portuguese home insurance have specific liability requirements, which we have included in our holiday home policy. It also includes a generous limit of £5 Million as standard.
- Home insurance in France and home insurance in Spain have specific requirements. In accordance with French Law your policy will be extended to include French natural catastrophe cover which would include material damage to any of the property insured under the policy due to an intense and abnormal natural event. In accordance with Spanish Law your policy will be extended to include Consorcio, which would include material damage to any of the property insured under the policy due to extraordinary events, such as earthquakes or terrorism.
Do you cover Spanish and French holiday homes?
Yes, we do cover Spanish and French holiday homes.
We cover insurance for properties in:
- UK, including Channel Isles and Isle of Man
- Spain
- France
- Portugal
- Italy
- Greece
- Southern Cyprus
- Bulgaria
- Republic of Ireland
How do I establish the rebuild value of my holiday home?
If your holiday home is in the UK,
just like with your main home, you can register with Association of
British Insurers who on their website have a rebuilding cost
calculator.
If your holiday home is abroad, you may want to get a qualified surveyor or builder to assess how much it would cost to rebuild your home and facilities around it such as your swimming pool and outbuildings. If you have a mortgage on your second home, you can refer to the mortgage valuation which normally shows the rebuild value.
Can I rent my holiday home out?
Yes you can. You need to make sure you
have a rental agreement in place. A rental agreement can be as
simple as documentary evidence that you have agreed a rate and a
period with the people who stay in your home. The buildings section
of the policy automatically includes temporary accommodation and
loss of hiring charges up to 20% of the buildings sum insured if
your homes is so damaged that it cannot be inhabited. If you opt
for accidental damage cover, it also applies to accidental damage
caused by tenants.
Why are there various public liability sections in the policy?
Different countries have
different laws and regulations. This policy aims to provide
appropriate cover for the country your second home is in.
Can I get covered straight away?
Yes, you can buy your policy
online. If you have specific circumstances, your quote might need
reviewing by our underwriters, which can take a little bit
longer.
How do I establish the contents value in my home?
Contents are calculated on
replacement as new (apart from clothing and household linen for
which an amount for wear, tear and depreciation is deducted).
Consider what is in each room, and what the items would cost if you
had to buy them today. The total of all those items would be your
contents sum insured. Kitchen cabinets and carpets are not included
in your contents, but mirrors and free standing cupboards
are.
What is IPT and are there any other taxes to be paid?
IPT stands for Insurance Premium Tax,
and insurers are liable to charge this on each policy sold in the
UK. The IPT % charged for home insurance is 5%, increasing to 6% in
January 2011. All local taxes are included within the quoted
premium and the underwriters are responsible for paying them to the
appropriate countries.
What is the maximum rebuild value I can insure?
The maximum sum insured for
buildings is £500,000.
What is the maximum contents value that I can insure?
The maximum contents sum insured
is £60,000.
How can I pay for this insurance?
You can choose to pay either as a one
off annual premium with your credit or debit card, or buy monthly
instalments through Direct Debit.
What are my cancellation rights?
You have the right to cancel
this policy within 14 days of inception or renewal or receipt of
policy or renewal documentation, whichever is the later, without
giving any reasons. If that happens, your premium will be refunded
to you, after deduction of a charge for the cover provided from the
beginning of the contract to the date of cancellation, and in the
event that a claim has not been made that would be considered as
having completed the contract.
This insurance is online, why do I need to pay an administration charge?
Our underwriters charge an
administration charge for the issuing of your policy and any
further amendments you may need to make.
How can I amend this insurance?
Just phone us on 0844 892 1750,
weekdays 9:00am - 5:30pm
What is the length of time that the property can be vacant for and still be covered by this insurance?
There is no maximum length that the
property can be unoccupied for. However, there are restrictions to
your cover if your holiday home is unfurnished and there is limited
cover to metered water if your home is unoccupied for a period in
excess of 30 days.
If your home is unoccupied, any loss or damage as a result of water escaping from tanks, pipes, equipment or fixed heating systems is not covered unless
- The water supplies are turned off at the mains (and for the period November to March inclusive all water tanks, pipes and apparatus are drained – excluding properties in Spain, Portugal or Southern Cyprus) or
- The holiday home is maintained at a minimum temperature of 15° C at all times (excluding Spain, Portugal and Southern Cyprus)
Also make sure you have removed valuables, money and credit cards from your home.
Will a claim will it be paid to us in GBP or in the local currency?
All your claims will be settled in
GB Pounds.
Can my friends and family stay in my holiday home?
Of course. If they do pay you rent,
you need to make sure you have a rental agreement in place.
If I take my camera or bicycles outside the house is it still covered?
Make sure you cover for personal
effects away from the home on your standard home insurance as it is
not included in this policy. Bicycles are insured anywhere in the
continent of Europe up to £250 for theft and accidental damage if
used by you or any member of your family.
Is cover for my swimming pool included?
Yes cover is included under the
buildings section of your policy subject to the sum insured being
sufficient, however, you are not covered for escape of water from
burst pipes. Furthermore, if the filtration plant and similar
equipment is housed in a building detached from the main residence,
malicious damage to those are also not covered.
Unoccupied Property Insurance
What is a 5-lever mortice deadlock?
A 5-lever mortise deadlock has five
levers and at least 1000 key combinations, a Saw resistant bolt
with a minimum 14mm throw and can withstand 300lbs side and 5000lbs
end pressure. A Drill resistant lock case. One or more anti-pick
devices. Key operated from both sides. The Association of British
Insurers (ABI) guidelines require all final exit doors to be fitted
with 5-lever mortice locks (or equivalent) conforming to BS 3621
and marked with the British Standard (BS) Kitemark.
What if I only need to insure the property for a short period of time?
The unoccupied home insurance
policy is very flexible and Towergate Connect can insure for 3, 6,
9, and 12 months at a time. Selling the property or undergoing
probate can be a lengthy process which is why they are
flexible.
Why can't I get standard buildings and contents cover for my unoccupied home?
Most providers will not insure
properties which are left unoccupied for more than 30 days at a
time, which is why you need to come to a specialist provider.
What if I work away and my property is left unoccupied for months at a time?
Your best bet is to speak Towergate
Connect on 0844 346 0431 and explain your circumstances to make
sure you get the right level of cover.
Can I still arrange insurance even though the property is being renovated?
Yes you can. Call Towergate
Connect on 0844 346 0431 to discuss your needs in more
detail.
I have some items of furniture in the unoccupied property - are these covered?
Towergate Connect can offer cover
on contents up to £15,000 so your furniture will be covered as long
as it does not exceed this amount.
The property is going through probate, how can I arrange insurance?
If you are the executor you can
arrange insurance with Towergate Connect over the phone. They can
get the property insured straightaway so you have one less thing to
worry about.
Does this policy include property owners liability insurance?
Yes. The policy
automatically provides employers liability cover of up to £2
million. The policy wording (also known as the certificate of
insurance) contains the full terms and conditions including any
exclusions.
My current insurer won't cover me - can I arrange insurance ASAP?
Yes. Cover can be arranged
instantly either over the phone or online.
How much should I insure my unoccupied property 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
etc. The value should include solicitor and surveyor fees and
demolition costs. With your contents you need to consider all
household goods and personal property within your unoccupied
property and how much you would have to pay to replace them as new.
A deduction is made for wear and tear for clothing and linen.
Can I pay my premium by cheque?
Yes, of course. Post your cheque to:
Towergate Connect, Suite N, The Octagon, Middleborough, Colchester,
Essex CO1 1TG.
Landlord Insurance
What cover do I need to arrange on behalf of my tenants?
You need to ensure you
have building cover in place. If you are renting out your property
furnished, you should consider getting contents insurance.
Can Towergate Connect arrange immediate cover?
Yes. You can either speak to
Towergate Connect on 0844 346 0431 or purchase online.
What happens to my tenants if my property becomes uninhabitable?
Towergate Connect will cover
the cost of alternative accommodation for up to 20 percent of the
sum insured. See page 13 of the policy wording booklet for more
information.
How do I pay my premium?
You can pay by card over the
telephone or by posting a cheque to: Towergate Connect, Suite N,
The Octagon, Middleborough, Colchester, Essex CO1 1TG. Monthly
instalments are available.
Can Towergate Connect insure my portfolio of properties?
Yes they can. Call today to
arrange your cover: 0844 346 0431.
Can I have accidental damage cover?
Yes. Whether your property is
professionally managed or not Towergate Connect can add this on to
your policy as an optional extra.
What do I do if I need to cancel my cover?
You are entitled to a full refund of
the premium paid if you find the policy unsuitable for your needs
and cancel it within 14 days of receipt of your policy documents
(as long as no claims have been made). If you need to cancel cover
after that time, cancellation charges will apply. Please call
Towergate Connect or notify them in writing with the reason for
cancellation and state the date from which you need cover to cease.
Remember, if your policy is in more than one name, all
policyholders will need to sign the letter. If you have any other
queries please don't hesitate to contact the customer services team
on 0844 346 0431.
Family Income Benefit
What’s the minimum monthly premium?
£5 per month.
What’s the minimum term?
3 years.
What’s the maximum term?
70 years.
What are the single/joint life options?
Both are available.
Do the premiums increase?
No premium reviews – guaranteed
rates.
How is the benefit paid?
The benefit is paid on the sum
assured times the number of months remaining until the policy ends.
It is possible to commute the monthly payments into a single lump
sum on claim- the sum will be less than the total of the monthly
payments due.
What is the difference between Life/Term Assurance and Family Income Benefit
Life/ Term Assurance is a lump sum,
Family Income Benefit is a monthly income.
When would a Family Income Benefit pay out?
On Death or diagnosis of a Terminal
Illness.
Specialist home insurance
What excess do I have to pay on this policy?
You can choose an excess
from £50 to £250. If you go for the higher amount, this could
reduce your premium. Certain types of constructions have a higher
excess - such as flat-roofed properties – so you may wish to call
an advisor on 0844 XXX XXXX to discuss this.
Can Towergate arrange immediate cover?
This depends on your
circumstances and the type of property you want to insure. The
quickest way to find out is to speak to one of our advisors on
0844 346 0431.
What do I do if I need to cancel my cover?
You are entitled to a
full refund of the premium paid if you find the policy unsuitable
for your needs and cancel it within 14 days of receipt of your
policy documents (as long as no claims have been made). If you need
to cancel cover after that time, cancellation charges will apply.
Please call us or notify us in writing with the reason for
cancellation and state the date from which you need cover to cease.
Remember, if your policy is in more than one name, all
policyholders will need to sign the letter. If you have any other
queries please don't hesitate to contact the customer services team
on 0844 346 0431.
Would you insure my property if it is both listed and timber framed?
Yes. We can cover for
both of these situations.
Do I have to keep my property maintained?
If you have a flat roof,
a professional builder or roofer will need to visit your property
every 8 years to inspect it and any necessary repairs should be
carried out.
Would I still be covered for theft under this policy?
Yes. As long as there is
forcible entrance into or exit out of your property, you will be
covered.