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Ground floor skylights and home insurance
cannyClaire
Posts: 120 Forumite
Two years ago I had a ground floor kitchen extension, and had two Velux windows installed in the roof. I've received my buildings and contents insurance renewal and now find that these windows have to be shut with a key operated lock, which means keeping a big step ladder nearby for when I want to open them.
The exact wording is "Key operated window locks are fitted to all ground floor and other accessible windows and skylights forming part of the house".
Just wondered if anyone else spotted this addition to the small print in the last 12 months.
The exact wording is "Key operated window locks are fitted to all ground floor and other accessible windows and skylights forming part of the house".
Just wondered if anyone else spotted this addition to the small print in the last 12 months.
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Comments
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So what do you do when you want to open these for venting ? Do you need the step ladder to open them or is there a level you can reach without.
It does vary from Insurer to Insurer as to what security precautions they require. So if you are not happy, you could shop around to see if another Insurers do not require such locks.The comments I post are personal opinion. Always refer to official information sources before relying on internet forums. If you have a problem with any organisation, enter into their official complaints process at the earliest opportunity, as sometimes complaints have to be started within a certain time frame.0 -
The insurance is through a broker so I imagine the wording will be appearing on all insurance documents?
I can reach the bottom of the window at a stretch (where I will put the lock) by standing on tiptoe on top of a three step ladder. Bottom of the window is at least eight feet from the floor. Silly thing is that to get on the roof outside you need a full length ladder, despite it being ground floor. It is a ridiculous clause, so sweeping, as I imagine some ground floor skylights are accessible but mine isn't, and of course it is easier to make everyone adhere to the rule.
I will be changing my insurance supplier!0 -
Phone them to clarify, as if they are not accessible from the outside then you might not need to have locks to comply with the endorsement.
If you ask them what they mean by accessible, they usually mean on foot and not using a ladder.The comments I post are personal opinion. Always refer to official information sources before relying on internet forums. If you have a problem with any organisation, enter into their official complaints process at the earliest opportunity, as sometimes complaints have to be started within a certain time frame.0 -
Thanks for your replies, I believe you are correct in thinking the key word is accessible. From the outside my windows are 12 feet up and on a roof, so the same height as the sill of the upstairs windows. The kitchen is a wing with no other ground floor building closer than 14 feet. Therefore they are not accessible!
:j
Still changing the insurer though, but if the new one has the same clause I will clarify with them.0
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