insurance for second homes?

[Grandad Gaz]

Can anyone recommend a company who can insure our norfolk cottage?

Our current insurer has decided to up the premium by about 50%. Apparently, because extensive building work on it is now complete??
I thought it would be cheaper now, not dearer, or am I missing something?

Have tried a couple of well known companies. One says it can't because we have not had a survey done in the last 5 years. The other can't, because we don't know the rebuild cost. How do you calculate that on a Grade 2 property?

thanks.

[Bluebarge]

Get a surveyor to assess the rebuild cost. We use Intasure who are OK - not had to claim yet.

[Arpa]

We use Lark on our grade 2 cottage:

https://www.larkinsurance.co.uk/listed-property

Not had to claim but always been very happy with the service. I understand insurance on listed buldings to be typically more expensive as if destroyed, the building would have to be reconstructed using traditional materials and techniques. Typically, it will be insured at 125% of value IIRC

[megaphone]

Hassle your existing insurer, tell them you're going to go elsewhere, they'll likely drop to a more acceptable premium.

[apguy]

NFU will insure second homes.

And if like me, you insure your main home with them, they will quite heavily discount the second home premium.

[Sticks.]

I have a G2 listed holiday let (also in a conservation area) and last year the usually reasonable broker could only quote me a premium double or more than previuos years, citing increased water damage claims for the increase.

I googled it and the found http://www.landlords-insurance.com/default.aspx. The quote was good and service fine insofar as the paperwork was prompt, accurate, and the staff understood what they were talking about. I've not had to claim, so can't comment on that.

The survey I had done before buying the house included an estimated rebuild cost iirc.

[Grandad Gaz]

Many thanks for the suggestions. I'll give some of the ideas a try