Tenants are often expected to scarper when their homes catch fire. Watching your worldly possessions go up in flames is never a happy occasion.

One house fire, however, prompted Cunningham Lindsey to advise those selling insurance to property owners in the buy-to-let market to regularly visit properties.

Fire fighters visiting this particular fire in East London were overcome with a potent smell pouring out of the building.

They were also unable to locate the tenants - and not because they were chilling out to Bob Marley tunes.

Upon inspection it became clear that the street value of the building was much higher than its insured value.

Cannabis plants were scattered throughout the house. It had been specially adapted to provide optimum growing conditions with polythene lining the floor and tin foil covering the walls. The total street value of the plants added £30,000 value to the property.

Backchat supports the call for regular inspections, particularly when the inspector is having a bad day.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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