Block of Flats Insurance — Specialist Cover for Freeholders, RTM & RMC Companies

It depends far more on the building than on the number of flats. Construction type and age, height, cladding status, the rebuild value, the postcode and the claims history all drive the premium, so two blocks of the same size can be priced very differently. Our block of flats insurance guide sets out indicative per-flat ranges from our own placements. For an actual figure, send us the details through the quote form and we will market-test it.

Yes. Small blocks of two to ten flats and houses converted into flats are a large part of what we place. Many mainstream property insurers treat conversions awkwardly because of shared pipework, older construction and mixed ownership, so a specialist placement often produces wider cover and a more realistic rebuild value than a standard landlord policy.

Yes. A building with commercial units on the ground floor and flats above is placed as one property owners' policy covering the whole structure, with liability for both the residential and commercial parts. We need to know what the commercial tenants do, because a takeaway or a nightclub below the flats is rated very differently from an office or a shop.

Yes, through specialist and Lloyd's markets. Blocks with a B2 rating or no EWS1 face restricted mainstream appetite, but cover is available. Underwriters want the EWS1 or fire risk appraisal of external walls, details of the remediation plan and funding route, and evidence the work is progressing. See our cladding and EWS1 buildings insurance guide for how these submissions are presented.

Yes. Repeat escape of water claims are the most common reason blocks are loaded or declined at renewal. What helps is evidence of the response: leak detection on risers, a communal shut-off, a hose replacement programme, or pipework upgrades. Present those alongside the claims history and specialist markets will usually offer terms, sometimes with a higher escape of water excess.

Usually not. Under most leases the freeholder, RTM or RMC insures the whole building, including each flat's structure, and recovers the cost through the service charge. Leaseholders normally insure their own contents and any landlord's contents if they let the flat. Check the lease, because a small number of leases put the duty to insure on each leaseholder.

Yes. Since 31 December 2023, FCA rules have treated leaseholders as customers of multi-occupancy buildings insurance, and brokers must disclose remuneration, including any commission shared with freeholders or managing agents. We provide that information in a form you can pass straight to leaseholders, which also helps if the premium is ever challenged at the First-tier Tribunal.