Indemnity Insurance of Deed of Postponement Mortgage Company conveyancing instructions

Godiva Mortgages and Nationwide, as with many banks, dictate their own requirements when it comes to deed of postponement indemnity insurance. The content herein aims to help conveyancing firms on the numerous bank solicitors panel where the title for the the property to be mortgaged incorporates deed of postponement. It is not a alternative for checking the CML handbook requirements for each bank, be it Virgin Money, Halifax or Natwest. The information on this page Is not to be read as deed of postponement indemnity insurance advice.

Need help with deed of postponement indemnity insurance from your lender?


Yorkshire Building Society and Leeds Building Society like the majority of lenders, requirements are that where deed of postponement indemnity insurance is to be put on risk:

  • the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy should be effected without charge to the mortgage company
  • your practice are responsible for approving the terms of the deed of postponement policy on behalf of the mortgage company
  • you is duty bound to spell out to the mortgagor that the borrower is obliged to comply with any conditions of the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy and that the mortgagor should notify the lender of any notice or potential claim in respect of the policy
  • the level of indemnity must satisfy the requirements for the mortgage company (See Part II Handbook requirements )
  • your firm is required to disclose to the insurer all relevant information which you have acquired
  • the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy must not incorporate terms which you recognise would void or prejudice the interests of the mortgage company
  • your practice must supply a copy of the deed of postponement indemnity insurance to the mortgagor and explain to the mortgagor why the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy was effected and that a further policy could be required if there is supplemental lending against the mortgaged property
  • the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy needs to be for the benefit of the mortgage company and, if possible, for the benefit of the borrower and any future registered proprietor or mortgage company. If the mortgagor will not be protected by the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy, you must advise the mortgagor of this fact.
As to the level of cover for the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy (or for that matter any indemnity insurance), consider the following sampling of Paragraph 9.2 of the Part 2 requirements for banks:
Lender Requirement
Bank of Scotland Not less than mortgage advance plus 10%
Birmingham Midshires An amount equal to at least 110% of the purchase price or value, whichever is higher.
Coutts & Co The open market value of the property according to the valuation report.
Halifax The value of the property.
Investec The open market value of the property according to the valuation report.
LiveMore An amount equal to the purchase price or value of the property, whichever is higher
Market Harborough Building Society Purchase price or valuation - higher of the two
Monmouthshire Building Society The higher of the purchase price or valuation. For remortgages, the value of the advance.
Mortgage Agency Services 110% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is greater
Mortgage Express Amount of loan + 15%
Nedbank You are to refer to us for specific instructions on any matter involving indemnity insurance.
New Street Mortgages Must be for a minimum of 110% of the purchase price or valuation whichever is the greatest.
Principality Building Society Full market value of the property is preferred but if this is not available we will accept the loan advance amount as minimum. You must approve the policy on our behalf. The estimated property value is stated in the Mortgage Offer in remortgage cases. Otherwise it will be stipulated in the Valuation.
Reliance Bank £1,000,000.00
Secure Trust Bank An amount at least equal to the market value.

Any indemnity insurance policy must be for our benefit, that of any transferee/assignee (legal or equitable) of the mortgage and also the borrower(s).
The Mortgage Business An amount at least equal to the mortgage advance/credit limit - whichever is the highest.
RBS - Direct Line An amount equal to the value of the property.
Tipton Coseley Building Society Minimum of mortgage advance.
Zephyr Mortgages Valuation or purchase price, whichever is higher. The policy must always benefit the borrower and any subsequent owner or mortgagee - the policy must be index linked.

General Deed of Postponement indemnity insurance points to consider

The extent of the terms for deed of postponement indemnity insurance are shown in the policy paperwork. Property lawyers are obliged to direct the borrower to the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy itself. The intention of deed of postponement indemnity insurance is to provide indemnity in respect of the risks specified in the policy schedule - so it is essential check the document to ensure it is in order. The lifetime of this non-investment insurance agreement is in perpetuity unless otherwise stated in the deed of postponement indemnity insurance policy. It is well worth checking that the time frame is correct.

Important aspects and benefits of deed of postponement indemnity insurance :

This policy would usually provide protection from financial loss that might arise in the event of a third party making a cliam in respect of the risks identified in the policy document. Deed of Postponement indemnity insurance Cover normally includes
  • All sums paid with the written consent of the insurance company to free the property from the risks specified in the deed of postponement insurance.
  • Reimbursement for compensation incurred in any proceedings regarding the risks specified in the deed of postponement insurance, including incurred costs and expenses.
  • All other costs and expenses incurred by the Insured with the written consent of the relevant insurance company
  • The out of pocket expenses of altering or destroying all, or part of the development and the reinstatement of the land, insofar as such alteration, demolition or re-instatement is made necessary by court order.
  • The cost of works (including professional fees) for the purpose of the development commenced, before the commencement of proceedings for the enforcement of the risks specified in the deed of postponement indemnity insurance, to the extent that such costs are rendered abortive by court decision.
  • Loss in market value due to the successful enforcement of the risks specified in the deed of postponement policy.

As is the case with all conventional insurance, all material information needs to be disclosed to the insurance company at the outset and throughout the policy term, otherwise the deed of postponement policy will not be valid.

Supplemental considerations for deed of postponement indemnity insurance

Bear in mind, that if a covenant is breached and changes have to be made, simply getting monetary compensation from deed of postponement insurance may be adequate for your client.
Content on this webpage is for general information for Regulated law firms in England and Wales on the the bank solicitor panel, it does not constitute advice for members of the public who should contact their lawyer for advice relating to the lender indemnity insurance. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct we do not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Lexsure will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. An important exclusion applying to most deed of postponement Policies is if you make any contact with any party who might cause a claim under the Policy, it can invalidate the cover.

The above information is in relation to properties in England and Wales.