Old homes often have a certain charm with their stones, exposed beams and period parquet floors. However, these properties can also be a source of problems due to their age and the materials used in their construction. Therefore, subscribing to a home insurance adapted is essential to protect your assets and deal with possible disasters that could arise. In this article, we offer you some tips to help you avoid pitfalls when taking out home insurance for an old home.
Understanding the specificities of old housing
First of all, it is essential to know the characteristics of your old home in order to choose the most suitable home insurance. Indeed, certain elements can influence the amount of insurance premiums and the level of guarantees necessary:
- Age of the building : the older the accommodation, the more risk it presents statistically for the insurer (water damage, fire, etc.).
- Building materials : housing built with traditional materials such as stone or wood can be considered to be more resistant to climatic hazards, but also more difficult to repair in the event of a disaster.
- The location of the property : the geographical location of the accommodation can also influence the amount of insurance premiums. For example, areas exposed to natural risks (floods, storms, etc.) may result in an increase in the premium.
Compare home insurance offers
Once you have identified the specificities of your old home, it is important to compare the different home insurance offers available on the market. To do this, do not hesitate to request several quotes from different insurers and use online comparators to find the best possible offer. You can also call on specialized brokers to better guide you towards the best opportunity to seize.
Services and guarantees offered
When comparing offers, pay particular attention to the services and guarantees offered by insurers:
- Basic guarantees : check that the offer includes the minimum guarantees required for old housing, such as rental liability, water damage, fire, broken glass or even natural and technological disasters.
- Optional guarantees : depending on your needs, you can also take out additional guarantees to better protect your old home, such as insurance against burglaries and acts of vandalism, or an assistance guarantee in the event of a disaster.
- Franchises : it is important to check the amount of deductibles applied for each guarantee, as well as the reimbursement terms in the event of a claim. Indeed, a home insurance offer with a high deductible amount may prove less attractive in the long term.
The cost of home insurance
In addition to the services and guarantees offered, the cost of home insurance is also an element to take into account when comparing offers:
- The insurance premium : find out about the amount of the annual premium, which varies depending on the guarantees taken out and the characteristics of the old home.
- Payment terms : some insurers offer payment facilities (monthly, quarterly, etc.) which can be practical for better managing your budget.
- Possible promotions : do not hesitate to ask if any discounts or promotions are available at the time of subscription, in order to benefit from an advantageous rate.
Declare your old home correctly
To avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a disaster, it is essential to clearly declare the characteristics of your old home when taking out home insurance:
- The surface area of the accommodation : underestimating the living space can result in insufficient compensation in the event of a loss.
- Elements at risk : remember to mention the presence of a wood stove, a fireplace or other potentially dangerous installations.
- Renovation work : if you have carried out renovation work in your old home, it is important to declare them to the insurer so that these improvements are taken into account in the calculation of the premium and compensation in the event of a claim.
By following these tips and taking the time to compare home insurance offers, you will be able to find the best possible protection for your old home, while avoiding the pitfalls associated with this type of real estate.
