e-mail received from Harry Purchase (on Thames downstream of Staines) – 25/7/07

Ewan,

I have continuously lobbied local MP's, the Association of British Insurers, the Building Societies Association, and the British Bankers Federation.

Failure to buy 'comprehensive insurance as required by your mortgage deed is a breach of course'. 

So far very little has happened from any of the above.

The Norwich Union mapped the UK using 'cruise missile technology - so every mound, and ditch were logged.  From this they identified vulnerable areas, and even individual properties.

They then sold the information to the other insurers prepared to buy it.

So we have a situation in Riverside / Temple Gardens / Chertsey Lane / Thorpe Lea / TW18 where there are adjoining properties - one might have insurance and the other might not!

In addition some insurers are definitely risk averse when 'flood cover' is mentioned.   I had insured with the Royal and Sun Alliance for years - they removed flood cover at the renewal two years ago.   They would reinstate it if I was prepared to pay an extra £1,500 and carry the first £10,000 of any loss!!

I moved to Saga and now have full cover at half the price.

Hope some of this helps.

Harry Purchase JP, FCA, FCIM.

(Former Managing Director of an international insurance broking plc)

The Anchorage, Riverside, Temple Gardens, Thorpe Lea TW18 3NJ

01784 460659 / 07831 474703.