Insulation: financing and insurance

No. We advise and act as an intermediary solely for general insurance. A sustainability loan or an increase in your mortgage falls under a different licence category. For that you should go to a provider or adviser with the appropriate AFM licence. We will, however, check whether your buildings and home contents insurance still match the renovated property.

For major building work, yes. Scaffolding, an open roof or a long period standing empty change the risk. Most policies therefore require prior notification. If you do not report it and damage arises that is connected with that change, the insurer may reduce or refuse the payout under Article 7:930 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Usually not. Damage caused by defective work, a construction fault or an inherent defect is almost always excluded. For that damage you address the contractor, who should hold public and employers' liability insurance (AVB) or construction all risks (CAR) insurance. Ask for proof of insurance beforehand and put the assignment in writing.

Often it does. Anyone insulating usually also renews the facade, the roof or the window frames. That raises the amount needed to rebuild the property after a total loss. Have the rebuild value reassessed, or you run the risk of underinsurance and a proportionately lower payout.

In the Netherlands, practically not. Licensed providers consult the BKR (the Dutch credit register) for credit from € 250 with a term longer than one month. Parties claiming otherwise usually do not hold that licence. You then lose the statutory information rights and the right of complaint that come with a licence holder.