Trees

minerva_3

Advice please. I have just used the moneysavingsexpert search for new buildings and contents insurance and it found me a decent policy at a decent price....BUT ... looking at the small print there is a declaration that there is no tree over 33ft high within 50 ft of the house. OhOh... I have large ash trees in the garden of the pub next door that are within 50ft plus neighbours large horse chestnut trees on the other side of the road also over 33ft and within 50ft + they are all protected by Conservation orders. Are all buildings insurance policies likely to contain this exemption and if not would I need to declare the trees for the quote? Would I be covered by my neighbours insurance if there was a problem with subsidence or fallen tree damage and therefore not bother if my policy excludes cover for the trees?
Thanks

Astaroth

You would only be able to hold the other party liable if you can prove that they were negligent - the most common occurance of this is if the tree is rotten (and obviously so) and comes down in a storm. If it would appear healthy to a normal person then there would be no liability on the other party.

I havent heard of this exclusion before, though home isnt my real area of experties, so would suggest that others wouldnt have this clause.

dougk_2

I would declare the trees anyway to cover yourself. They may give you a slightly increased premium, they may just not worry about it or they may not provide cover for tree damage (though you can then go elsewhere). You need to know you are properly insured which is the main thing.

courtjester

minerva

The problem with these money saving deals you see advertised on insurance is that they are biased in favour of the insurers.

A standard household policy normally includes subsidence of the foundations as one of the things you are automaticaly protected against. It doesn't matter what the cause of the subsidence is, although presence of nearby trees may often be a contributing factor.

The discounted deals are weighing factors and offering reductions in premiums if your property satisfies certain risk factors - in other words, if you are unlikely to claim. Similarly, on burglary risks, these policies are generally offered with conditions that you have certain locks /alarms systems etc as standard.

If you don't 'fit' the carefully chosen risk-free mould for the discount policy, then the policy is not for you - it doesn't mean they won't cover you necessarily, but the premium will be higher for factors which *might* involve the insurer in a claim, such as subsidence risks associated with trees.

You MUST disclose the tree issue otherwise you won't be covered at all - they will either tell you you can't have that policy or will quote to include subsidence risks at a higher cost.

Your option is simply to look around for another insurer /broker /standard policy at a 'normal' price.

*******

As far as claiming against a neighbour for tree damage, forget this. The legalities and proof required are highly complex and well beyond most homeowners. You would claim on your own insurance policy for any such damage and let your insurers take up any legal action considered appropriate. It is always easier to have your problem dealt with by your own insurers and this is one of the unsung benefits of making sure you have the right cover - for peace of mind.

minerva_3

Hello again - thankyou for your helpful replies. The original company I referred to in the opening message that seemed to offer a good deal telephoned me today and when I declared the trees on neighbouring properties, decided not to honour the quote. I am in a terrace of six tiny artisan cottages built 1850 in a village conservation area - so not only does it affect my property but others in the terrace. There is over a million pounds of property to insure in this block! I had better get searching for a good deal with a reliable company that could cope with insuring my property, trees and all, with the minimum of hassle should I need to ever claiml!! Is the searching machine here the place to enquire? Do I have to search each Insurance policy small print to see if there is a tree exclusion? Phew - thats hard! Any ideas?
Thanks