Hi Vicki,
From my experience, it is not usual for the insurance policy schedule to be sent to Members of the Owners Management Company (OMC) but in our OMC we do have it available for members to see should they request it, and I don’t see why your neighbour has not given you this information.
You could try asking the insurance company directly for a copy? Although the policy is in the OMC’s name, as a member of the company they should be able to furnish you with this.
With regard to renewal and being sure this has been done, there should be an annual AGM at which you can ask questions and query the services provided. In addition annual audited accounts should be circulated to all members which outline costs (including insurance).
Under new MUD legislation, the members of the OMC (ie: you and your neighbours) have to sign off on the budget for the coming year so again, insurance should be noted as part of this.
Insurance is one of the most important (and expensive) services that the OMC provides for it's members and it would be a very serious issue if this was not paid for. One of the conditions of your mortgage (if you have one) is that the property is properly insured so you have a very valid reason for clarifying this.
Estate Management companies can only provide services as directed by the Board of the OMC. It’s the OMC who are responsible for ensuring that services are paid for and provided. The Estate Management Company are employed by them to do the day-to-day admin.
If you feel that the development would better run by an Estate Management Company (and there are pros and cons to this, depending on the size of the development) you need to bring it up with the Directors of the OMC or at the AGM. Incidentally it’s likely that your neighbour is also a Director of the OMC. However there have to be at least two Directors on the Board so your neighbour should not be operating alone. Have you tried contacting the other Directors for clarification on the insurance?
One final point; if your neighbour is doing all this extra work on a voluntary, unpaid basis you may be as well to handle this diplomatically. She may feel that she is doing the best she can, working hard for everyone and trying to save you money under difficult circumstances.