Building work being done - Insurer has suspended all accidental damage cover.

jog

Just want to see if anyone knows if this is the norm, as my insurer insists it is.

I have just rung our home and contents insurer to inform them that we are in the process of having a loft conversion done. The insurer has informed me that for the duration of the building work, they will not cover us for any accidental damage to either building or contents regardless of weather it is related to the build or not.

EG if we have any accidental damage for any reason we will not be covered for the next 8 weeks. He has said they will reduce our premium to reflect this, but insists that this is standard practice. As we've never had any building work like this done before I don't know, is this right?

I can understand that they wouldn't cover damage caused say by the builders, but am now worried that we're not properly covered.

Would appriciated other peoples experiences

Thank you

Jog

sezzybear

When we were having our bathroom and downstairs loo done (totally ripped out and refitted) we told Tesco that the work was going to take place and they didn't do anything, didn't even acknowledge my letter to inform them (rather discourteous I thought). They did have it logged on their system though as I found out when I called to check.

It might be different though as your work is much more extensive?

cogito

It's certainly not unusual for insurers to do this. You've done the right thing to tell your insurers and at least you know exactly where you stand.

jog

Thanks for the replies.

I guess we will have to just accept the terms for the moment, I am waiting to recieve a written copy of the changes from the insurer which I will read closely.

As you say Cogito, we have done the right thing by telling the insurer. Just need to remember to ring them as soon as the builders move out to get the insurance re-adjusted, presumibly our premium will then go up as the house will be bigger!

Jog