Property Insurance
Home insurance isn’t a maintenance contract
You have a responsibility to look after your property. If you’ve not maintained it properly and this leads to more serious damage, our lab results show you might not get a full pay out.
Here are some helpful tips from our scientists to make sure you are always covered.
Insurance facts:
Keeping up appearances
Insurance doesn’t cover you for normal wear and tear to your building. It’s there to help when the unexpected happens.
There are some very common claims made that can be easily avoided by simply making regular checks for signs of wear and tear. Blocked drains and loose roof tiles can cause major leaks and floods.
Useful insurance tips:
DIY or getting an expert?
If you are handy with a hammer and spanner, then there’s nothing wrong with doing your household maintenance yourself. Remember DIY accidents do happen, so you might want to check you have accidental damage cover in place just in case!
There are some jobs that might need a trained professional. And if something does happen to your property, it can be useful to be able to tell your insurer who did the work and when.
Did you know?
Flat-roofs have a short lifespan (around 10-years) and need to be inspected by a roofing professional to make sure they’re up to scratch. If you spot uneven lumps on your flat roof, get it checked!
Useful Facts: Storm's a-brewin’
Many policyholders try to claim for roof tiles that have fallen off their houses, but insurance only covers you for this when it’s caused by a storm.
Covered or not covered?
This roof has missing tiles, you’ve been aware of this for some time. Are you covered if it leaks?
Correct Answer!
You’re right as rain.
Wrong Answer!
Don't rain on my parade.
A tatty roof risks not being insured. If there is a storm and water starts dripping through the ceiling, you may not be covered for fixing the roof or costs of any further damage caused. It’s a good idea to have the roof regularly checked and maintained.
Covered or not covered?
There’s been a wet patch growing on your ceiling and it looks like the plaster is going to fall in. Reckon you’ll be able to claim?
Correct Answer!
You’re no damp squib!
Wrong Answer!
Don’t dampen your hopes.
The key here is never to let a damp patch grow. The second you notice signs of a leak, you should get it checked out. Take a photo and tell your insurance company right away. You may have saved a big disaster and ceiling collapse. You insurers will certainly try and cover you if you’ve been quick to act.
Covered or not covered?
Another leak, but underground this time. The first sign of this is a wet tiled-floor…
Correct Answer!
You’re covered!
Wrong Answer!
You’re covered, in water...
Underground pipes are something that cannot be reasonably maintained, so your insurers will cover you for this. You just have to make sure that you tell them at the soonest possible moment. If you can smell damp before seeing any visual signs you still need to get it checked out ASAP.
Covered or not covered?
Your bedroom is now a swimming pool, because a blocked gutter has overflowed…
Correct Answer!
Your pipe is nice and clean.
Wrong Answer!
Unclog your old ideas.
General maintenance on accessible pipes and gutters is your responsibility. If there is a leak which was caused as a result of not checking blocked drains then you risk not being covered. A good sign of blocked drains is if sinks and toilets not draining properly. Get it checked out right away!
Your policy will usually have a single item limit, such as £1,500 for example.
0/0
Did you even study?
Back to the lab!
Almost Einstein!
Genius!
See a leak in your home?
If you see a damp patch forming on your wall or ceiling, or just notice a pipe dripping, it’s always a sign that something needs investigating ASAP. You may need to call an emergency contractor to get it fixed.
If it’s likely you’ll need to make an insurance claim, tell your insurer as soon as possible.
