Some time ago on renewing buildings insurance,
when asked about state of repair,
I mentioned to my insurer (and another company I had asked to quote)
a long standing crack in a detached outbuilding (not the house)
which I said was stable and showing no movement.
They said they wanted more information before quoting for the renewal/cover, and that they would refer to their underwriters.
Before either made a decision I actually obtained a better quote elsewhere (with full disclosure, obviously).
I wrote to the two companies saying that was the case, and that I did not want to pursue the applications with them.
Some time on,
I am now obtaining quotes for another completely unconnected house.
I am being asked the standard question
"have you ever been refused or declined insurance".
My view is that neither company declined cover,
as I withdrew the application before a decision was made (or at least notified to me).
At the same time, they didn't actually offer me cover either!
Can I safely answer "no" to the question about having insurance declined?
Confused!