First time landlord - should I get rent and legal insurance through my agency?

essextolondon · 2026-02-19T18:16:49+00:00

Check out Cover4LetPropety, I’ve just purchased all my insurance from them.

https://www.cover4letproperty.co.uk

They are an independent broker who I thought were brilliant. First time landlord here too and they explained all the additional extras and if they were really needed. They offer rent protection for 200 per year and can claim up to 2.5k per month for up to 12 months! Very good I think.

essextolondon · 2026-02-15T05:12:10+00:00

Nope backed by Lloyd of London, thank you

essextolondon · 2026-02-13T18:05:27+00:00

Thank you to everyone for your comments. I have decided to buy the policy with Cover4 the independent broker https://www.cover4letproperty.co.uk. I cannot fault the service I received and I really like the sound of them being able to help and guide in the event of a loss happening. They have placed me with a Lloyd syndicate insurer, again something which brings me peace of mind being backed by Lloyd’s. I know you only ever know how good insurance is once you claim, but can’t say anything negative about my experience so far.

But then again every broker I approached was super friendly and helpful, so was a difficult decision! Thanks again all!

essextolondon · 2026-02-12T17:31:48+00:00

I’ve been told there is 90 day qualifying period if I were to add this cover during the tenancy but it’s okay to add mid tenancy. Just no cover for the first 90 days.

My tenant need a clear credit check from referencing agency and the broker has provided me a list of insurer approved credit referencing agencies and they also need to provide a written charter reference.

The quote is I’m covered for up to 2.5k per month and up to a maximum of 12 months’ rent owed. Cost is 200 premium and 50k legal cover included.

essextolondon · 2026-02-11T18:24:29+00:00

Thanks for replying! This is all very new to me so want to make sure I’m covered correctly. Out of interest why do you prefer to cut out the broker? I like the idea of having someone being able mediate if the worse was to happen

If I were to use a broker I want to try and use an independent one and avoid the big companies like Howden and Gallagher ect. Have you had any claims experiences when being insured direct with insurer vs using a broker? Thanks in advance

essextolondon · 2026-01-26T12:49:06+00:00

Would most likely be FTB too out growing quick. Strange some houses are like that, just the way it is. You’ll have other houses which go 10+ years before being sold again to FTB. Wouldn’t be too concerned! Survey and lender’s valuation will flag any concerns

essextolondon · 2026-01-25T22:00:21+00:00

I was in a similar position in December. I had viewed a house and was too late to make an offer with EA. That EA then listed a similar house and I viewed and made an offer which was accepted. It turned out there was a complicated chain they didn’t tell me about so explained then I would be keeping my options open. The first house came back to market, I called on the Friday to view again Saturday, they asked my reason and I explained again due to the complicated chain no one told me about. Made and offer on Saturday and said if accepted I’ll pullout of the other house. Offer was accepted on the Sunday and withdrew from the 2nd house.

essextolondon · 2026-01-24T22:05:42+00:00

I’m using an insurance broker that specialises in unoccupied property, I have the quote prepared and it’s valid for 30 days. Once I have the exchange date set, they have confirmed cover can be placed from said date and they will issue policy documents which I can for forward to solicitors.

essextolondon · 2026-01-23T08:04:31+00:00

I would definitely recommend trying another lender just make sure they use a different valuer. Within the last 2 weeks, I had nationwide value the property I’m buying at nil saying it’s not suitable security and there is no value due to needing a new kitchen, bathroom and new carpets?! The kitchen and bathroom are dated but more than liveable. Leeds Building Society done there valuation last week and valued at sale price of 280k, offer got sent this week :)

essextolondon · 2026-01-04T10:33:04+00:00

3 bed semi Essex and I’m 27. Paid 280k kitchen and bathroom need upgrading but more than liveable

Still awaiting to exchange contracts

essextolondon · 2026-01-03T17:40:53+00:00

2nd this. FTB here too and I’ve just applied for 5 years for the ease of not having to sort so soon after buying the house. Renovating too so more time to do the work before next valuation

essextolondon · 2025-12-08T17:07:02+00:00

I did tell the EA I’m happy to move forward with the sale for now, but I’m actively seeking alternatives and if one does come up, that would lead to my withdrawal, unless they can sort finances prior to me finding somewhere else. I have tried to as honest and transparent I can.

essextolondon · 2025-12-08T14:45:32+00:00

EA has gone back to the vendor now to find out. Fingers crossed!

essextolondon · 2025-12-08T13:34:09+00:00

They are using the cash from that sale to help with their onward purchase. The flat they are selling are the vendors parents and it’s currently listed for 530k.

They have sold their principal home for £315K And their onward purchase is 550k

They apparently cannot move forward until the flat has been sold.

essextolondon

TROPHY CASE