Buying insurance

on any property seems to be fraught with difficulties.

This house is insured. It was a task I left to Middle Cat because she was doing their own property at the same time. She discussed it with me of course but the final clicks were left to her after much searching for the most reasonable deal.

Notice I did not say the "best" deal. No, that would be even more complicated. We wanted something that would work if we needed it because we had the legal responsibility to the estate.

Now I have a responsibility to ensure my own abode, or what will shortly be my own abode, is covered.  It was hard work and I am still not sure I have done all that needs to be done.

There is communal insurance of course. This is a legal imperative for any block of dwellings on a strata title. I can do little about this, indeed nothing at all while I still only have a deposit on the property. My feeling is that the insurance is on the low side but perhaps not. It needs further investigation.

But I needed "contents" insurance even if it is for nothing more than everyday items. So, the search began. I looked at website after website. I made some phone calls. Not everyone was prepared to offer insurance because it is not a "detached" dwelling. Those that were had more questions for me than I had for them. 

My age? Where was I living now? Why was I leaving? Why am I moving to that address? How much is the property worth? Do I own anything of value? Is anything worth more than....? Who else will be living there? Have I ever claimed anything on insurance before? Have I ever been convicted of a criminal offence? What is my income? Do I conduct a business from the premises? Will I have visitors? Do I smoke...take illicit drugs...drink alcohol? Will I be living there? Will it be unoccupied at any time? Why had there been no property insurance in my name for the last.....years?

I found the questions obtrusive and largely unnecessary. Many of the "representatives" tried to sell me very expensive and unnecessary cover.  Eventually I found something I could afford, enough to satisfy the conveyancer and estate agent and at least some of what I wanted. Adding anything at all to that and the price starts to almost triple and it is just so hedged around with "conditions" I wonder what value I am getting - if I am getting any at all.