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1 December 2008
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Row of houses

Insurance

Lenders always insist you insure the property so that if anything happens they'll be able to get their money back. Unless you have no choice as to the company with which you take out home insurance, do shop around. The following tips should help you to decide who to choose.


Difference in costs

You'll find a big difference in the cost of home insurance. Normally policies put forward by lenders will be relatively expensive for buyers in terms of insurance premiums.

Lenders may also look for you to insure your life to at least the value of your loan so that should you die the loan will be repaid in full by your policy. You'll need to have the paperwork to prove cover exists.

Ordinary repayment mortgages

In the case of ordinary repayment mortgages, lenders may insist on the borrower(s) taking out a mortgage protection policy to cover the amount of the loan. Such a policy guarantees repayment of the balance outstanding on the mortgage in the event of the borrower's death.

Contents insurance

It's worthwhile looking at contents insurance. Be sure your policy covers the contents while you're moving house. Remember to transfer the policy to your new address at the right time.

Print the BBC Homes Buying checklist to help you keep track of every stage.

The content supplied on this page is based on the law applying on 1 January 2005. Please consult your own lawyer for further information regarding your rights.


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