No Search Chancel Indemnity Insurance
No Search Chancel Indemnity Insurance provides a practical safeguard in such cases. It is a type of conveyancing indemnity policy, often used in rural areas. At Lloyd & Whyte Legal Indemnities, our role as brokers is to connect the legal professional to the correct insurer to deliver effective cover.
Navigating chancel repair risks
In today’s property market, efficiency is crucial. For solicitors, conveyancers, and buyers working to tight deadlines, the decision not to conduct a full chancel repair search is sometimes necessary—but it shouldn’t come at the expense of legal protection. If you are obligated under law to pay for repairs to a church in close vicinity to your property, you or your client might be liable to meet these costs.
What is No Search Chancel Indemnity Insurance?
Chancel repair liability is a historic legal obligation affecting certain properties in England and Wales. It allows some churches (mostly medieval churches), to claim financial contributions from landowners for repair costs to the chancel—the area around the altar. It is particularly relevant in areas with medieval churches or unregistered land, where potential liabilities—though rare—can be difficult to verify in limited timeframes.
Although registration requirements changed in 2013, unregistered liabilities may still exist and, if triggered, can lead to expensive claims and legal cases. No Search Chancel Indemnity Insurance is designed to provide protection when a formal chancel search has not been carried out—often due to time constraints or where the risk is deemed minimal.
Who should consider this cover?
This type of indemnity can be beneficial for:
- Solicitors and conveyancers managing time-sensitive completions
- Property buyers and sellers who want to avoid avoidable delays or unexpected post-completion costs
- Lenders and mortgage advisers requiring reassurance where searches are incomplete
- Property developers acquiring land near historic religious buildings
Broker Guidance: Best practice before taking out cover
Before proceeding, we recommend:
- Checking the proximity of the property to any parish churches
- Reviewing the property’s title and any related documentation
- Consulting your client on their appetite for risk and urgency
- Confirming with the lender whether No Search Chancel Insurance meets their criteria
Our team can assist in evaluating whether a search is avoidable or whether indemnity is the most appropriate course of action.
