Fish tank seal failed - are we covered?

JimmyTheWig

Oh I see.
Basically you're only covered for what's listed?

Quentin

Yes - you only get the cover you have paid for, and this will be shown in your policy.

JimmyTheWig

Hey, I've just checked the policy booklet and it says we are covered!!
On the phone to them now...

JimmyTheWig

Ok, it appears that we aren't covered.

There is a "general exclusion" list that "the insurance does not cover", one of which being
"Wear and tear, corrosion, rot of any kind, woodworm, ..., any cause that happens gradually, or mechanical or electrical breakdown."

They say that the seal going is wear and tear and so isn't covered.

Do people agree with this explanation? I can appreciate that this means they wouldn't cover the tank itself, but I think that it is harsh that it doesn't cover the damage caused by the water.

Is this a standard exclusion?
Is this a standard interpretation of this exclusion?

Quentin

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

Hey, I've just checked the policy booklet and it says we are covered!!

Which bit said you were covered?

What was their answer when you pointed this out?

Valli

yes it's standard. It the reason my patio door has been locked and the mechanism disengaged for nigh on 12 years...it broke due to wear and tear they wouldn't replace it and I can't afford to.

lisyloo

The exclusion is standard.
House insurance is not meant to cover you for wear & tear and general maintenance which is your responsibility.

As for how it applies to the seal on a fish tank. I really have no idea.
How long are they expected to last?
Do manufacturers offer gurantees?
Are you meant to replace or maintain at any set time period?

Quentin

lisyloo wrote: »

The exclusion is standard.
House insurance is not meant to cover you for wear & tear and general maintenance which is your responsibility.

The OP wasn't trying to make a claim for the fish tank, but for the damage done by the water leak!

JimmyTheWig

Quentin wrote: »

Which bit said you were covered?

What is covered...
Water or oil leaking or spilling from any fixed domestic water or heating installation, swimming pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, spa, aquarium, washing machine or dishwasher.

What is not covered...
* Loss or damage:
- while your home is unfurnished or unoccupied;
- caused by faulty workmanship;
- to free standing hot tubs, jacuzzis or spas;
- to the installation itself; or
- if the installation is outdoors...
* The cost of the water or oil.

What was their answer when you pointed this out?

That the "wear and tear" exclusion overrode this.

Quentin

Appeal this - (according to your OP this happened suddenly - ie there has been no gradual leaking prior to this incident).

(The repair to the fish tank may well be your responsibility, though your OP does read that you want to claim for the damage to your contents caused by the water)

(They now given you 2 entirely different reasons to reject your claim - time to escalate this!)