House/Contents insurance

[laserblazer]

Can anyone recommend a good company please?

[HampshireRich]

My company - Zurich

When selecting its always best to check out the claims service of the company if you can - its all very well having a cheap rate or great cover in the policy - not so good if they don't pay up or you end up arranging a lot of the stuff yourself.

Also, most companies now replace the goods or repair the damage using their own preferred suppliers rather than giving cash - if you find a company that will give you cash to do your own repairs or replace your goods then avoid them - you will not get value for money.

[laserblazer]

Thanks, I should add this for a property in Portugal.

[HampshireRich]

Still Zurich - though I don't know whether you can go direct or whether they only use tied-agants or brokers in Portugal - previous topic on motor insurance a gave a link to English-speaking Inusrers - there was a good sounding broker in that one - (David Hills I think - in Facitil)

[sunman]

I posted Vitor's details at Imperio Bonanca on another subject, he's in Lagoa next to Goodwoods; he has a nice style, he will come round, look at your house & see your contents on the basis that when and if you claim he'll endorse the claim having seen it himself, he was recommended to us & we've recommended him on, he has a good reputation.

[Aitch]

I endorse Sunman's comments regarding Vitor at Imperio Bonanca. We have been using him for both Motor and Household insurance for a couple of years now. He could not be more helpful, will provide cover to suit your requirements and his rates are very competitive.

[Lesley Jean]

Yep, us too, we have used Vitor for years now, good service,, friendly and very helpful.

[R.Wethereyet]

This company is worth contacting:-

http://www.click4quote.com/holiday-home ... operty.htm

They offer specific cover for holiday homes in Portugal, for both personal use and rental letting, and use major UK/Global insurers. Their policies are written in English.

Their sister company, previously mentioned and endorsed on here by several members is:-

http://www.insurance4carhire.com

Just an addition, be aware that if you rent out the property for short holiday lets, the insurer and policy needs to take this into consideration. I know of someone who had their patio window smashed by a renter, they claimed and found that their policy did not cover them for lettings damage. Needless to say the insurer also checked their claims history and hit them with a recharge for earlier claims, which they now have to prove was caused by them, providing flight bookings, car hire receipts etc for the dates/periods of the claims.

[Polli62]

We were with Allianz for 7 years, found them ok,only problem was the policy was written in German & Portuguese only. We then changed to intasure.com and found them more competetive with more coverage (earthquake insurance included in their quote, whereas we had to pay extra for this with Allianz) the policy is written in English so you can understand all the policy & its terms & conditions.