Insurance warning for investors

How much would it cost to replace your investment properties if disaster struck?

Monday, August 27th 2012, 12:00AM 2 Comments

by Susan Edmunds

Consumer chief executive Sue Chetwin says that information will be vital under changes to the way home insurance policies are structured.

The insurance industry has flagged a move to fixed-cover policies from the current replacement value model. 

Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said it would likely become common for new and renewed policies over the next  year or two.  He said it would give reinsurers more clarity.

The policies would be based on Government valuations.

Canterbury Property Investors Association president Lewis Donaldson said property owners would have to be up to date with their insurance and remain that way

“Otherwise there could be an impact on financing and refinancing if you are underinsured.”

Chetwin agreed it would be vital that the price insurance was fixed for was what it would actually cost to replace the property.

She suggested property owners use a quantity surveyor before taking out a policy, particularly on top-end or unusual properties.

Donaldson said the change could mean headaches at first as people had to get valuations. “If things are done correctly there shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The only problem is when houses are underinsured.”

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Comments from our readers

On 27 August 2012 at 10:18 pm Life Insurance said:
Life Insurance pays out in the event of your death – either as a lump sum or as a monthly benefit. This type of cover can support the loved ones you leave behind, and if you're a business owner or shareholder, it can also secure the business' long-term survival.
On 29 August 2012 at 12:17 pm Bok said:
It is what it is to replace a property. More red tape for insurance companies, more unnecessary costs & hassles for landlords, valuers are winners.

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