Can I insure myself against burst water pipes??

colliecrew

Hi all,
I'm moving into a farmhouse in 3 months time, this house has a metered water supply, supplied by a farm 3/4's of a mile from my house. My solicitor has informed me that I am liable for all water pipes from the branch of the supply to my farm. So that means I am responsilbe for roughly 1/2 mile of pipe work.
Can I insure myself for the worst case scenario of burst pipes and loss of water supply?
Appreciate any and all advice.

ben500

Yes you can although I would think it best for you to examine commercial policies for this purpose as a normal domestic policy with such an extension would most likely be very expensive.

impy78

You can insure water pipes running to and from your property, and escape of water... however, there are conditions about internal pipes during winter, so check the companiy's policy there.

But generally, you are insured for any underwater pipes running to and from your property that you are legally responsible for, on a standard policy.

ben500

When taking out your policy make sure you have trace and access extension added this is a must for you under these circumstances as very often the vast majority of the claim value will be locating, accessing and repairing the leak.

colliecrew

Can anyone recommend insurance companies for this type of policy???
Thanks again.

ben500

Try AXA or RSA or put the details into confused.com see what that brings up for you, bear in mind domestic trace and access values are generally up to £5k which I would think even given the scant circumstances you have provided would be inadecuate for your needs.

Just a note to others who may be reading anyone who has insurance WITHOUT accidental damage extension to the policy needs their head examining. Check your policy if you don't have accidental damage cover then get it, for the few extra pennies it is well worth it as this or escape of water are the most likely causes you will need to claim under.

teddyco

I have a question about my father-in-laws property.
He owns a leasehold flat and has received offers to insure the outside pipes in case of damage. Obviously in a leasehold property the land is actually owned by another person and he currently pays a management fee to that owner.
If his pipes, cables, etc. bust or are damaged, who is responsible? Is it the owner of the leasehold property (my father-in-law) or the owner of the land in which the pipes and wires run?

RichyRich

There is a company that specialise in this kind of insurance, but sadly I don't know what they are called. They are based somewhere in the West Midlands (Walsall rings a bell). They offer this cover via Yorkshire Water (branded as Yorkshire Water), so maybe if you give them a ring they might be able to put you in touch with the company. Even if you're not in Yorkshire I think that even if the company don't sell directly they might sell via your local water board.

Teddyco: That's a difficult question. Repairing Obligations are usually contained within the covenants of the lease, so I guess that would be the place to start. If the lease doesn't mention it, it might be worth contacting the CAB, unless, of course, someone far more intelligent and knowledgeable than me comes along and answers your question!

Rich