We’re announcing exclusive changes to rent guarantee – a first for the market
Posted by Ellie Dreisenstock on January 15, 2021
Just as we thought the worst of times were behind us as we said goodbye to 2020, here comes 2021 with more of the same. We find ourselves in total lockdown and the Government have once again extended the eviction ban in the Private Rental Sector.
At the end of April this year, the Government’s furlough scheme ends, millions of people face uncertainty and potential redundancy. This time however there is light at the end of the tunnel, the vaccine roll-out has commenced, and all being well, we should get our lives back by the summer of this year. So, we have decided to act now in the best interest of our valued letting agent customers.
Throughout last year we worked in partnership with our customers to offer our valuable rent guarantee and legal protection continuously throughout the pandemic. We promised that as soon as we believed the conditions were safe, we would review the protection we provide.
This year we’ll complete 1,000,000 references on behalf of the most professional letting agents in the UK. As market leaders, our underwriters and actuaries have access to unique data. Our rent protection scheme provides cover for over £1.2bn in annualised rent, for over 100,000 UK properties. We’re using our might to enhance our market leading products.
We’re announcing that HomeLet and Let Alliance rent guarantees will provide:
- Missed rental payments until vacant possession of the property or for up to 15 months, whichever comes first. This is unique in the market.
- Legal Expenses cover for up to £100,000, doubling the current cover level
- Cover should a tenant defend the action taken, that means that we’ll continue to pay the claim until the challenge has been resolved
These improvements will apply to all new business, they’ll also apply to all ‘Portfolio Transfer’ and to all existing policies. This means that every one of our customers can feel the benefit, without the need to wait for renewal.
Making such significant improvements to an insurance policy mid-term is most unprecedented. This action is a reflection of the value we place in our customers.
Quality and experience you can trust
By working in partnership with our customers, we’ve been able to behave responsibly and professionally throughout the ongoing pandemic. We did not feel the need to act recklessly and take market share at an unsustainable price, only to increase them when the end of the crisis is in sight. We consider this to be opportunistic and not how we understand long term partnerships – true partnerships are about value creation for all parties.
As 2021 unfolds we’ll keep a very close eye on the economic conditions and market performance. We’re optimistic about the future, if and when it becomes safe to do so, our intention is to reduce the cost of our rent guarantee products.
We know how valuable rent guarantee is to our customers and their landlords. If you’re not already, I want your business to benefit from our trusted, market leading protection too. Our team are ready and on hand to help your business make the most of our fantastic products and exceptional service.
We want to face 2021 working in partnership with you. No matter what gets thrown at us, we will find a way through together, we always do.
Happy New Year, Andy
