Home insurance partial flat roof

loulou41

I have to renew my insurance and am not sure what to put regarding roof as my garage and part of my kitchen have got flat roof. Do I need to say about the partial flat roof, it does not seem to give me an option to explain? Thanks

huckster

If the flat roof area is 20% or less of the overall roof area, then I don't think that would be an issue.

Normally on most internet sites, there is an exclamation mark or other icon you click on to obtain more information.

As always, if in doubt give companies a call to check.

Be aware that Insurers are increasing excluding water leaks from failing flat roofs under Accidental Damage. I think Aviva are one of these. Worth checking just in case the flat roof over the kitchen starts leaking, when you thought it was in a good state of repair.

2sides2everystory

Yes felt-covered (on chipboard or ply) flat roof areas are not really expected to last more than about 20 years from new before they start leaking and unless after that they have been completely refurbished by someone competent you can expect to have to repair again in maybe only 10 years next time.

If it is an internet application I would add a note as free text somewhere. If paper application I would jot a brief note next to the answer. Question is something like "Is your roof made of Brick Stone Slate or Tiles? Yes - "except garage and kitchen are felt-roofed"

I think telephoning is just as likely to get the wrong answer i.e. they make a song and dance about it while they have you on the line rather than reassure you that is ok. But, ignoring it is dodgy if you want cover to operate for leaks when they happen - they may decline a leak claim based on non-disclosure of the felt-roof. Do bear in mind that even before some insurers started excluding leak damage under flat rooves, no insurance company would knowingly pay for a new felt-roof itself, but only for the damage caused inside when it leaks.

Making a brief note in the application I think is best, or alternatively just leave it if you wouldn't claim for the new ceiling and redecoration when the next leak happens anyway.

loulou41

Thanks, I did phone and he asked me about the percentage, I am clueless, it is a 3 bed semi with integral garage. In the end he put 17% maximum allowed wihout paying more, part of the kitchen is also flat roof. If I happen to have a leak, I would not claim on the flat roof. The garage did have a leak and I did not claim. My neighbour has got an extension with flat roof, he told me he does not consider it as part of the main roof and therefore does not declare it. I told him he should query it.

Cuidadosa

I've got a problem akin to yours...

I'm trying to get a cheap deal but have to declare something. Did you get the same deal over the phone that you got online? If so, how did you do it?

Cheers!

loulou41

I got a better deal on the phone. I got various discounts as new customer and having car insurance with saga. Online, the quote is highter but saga wrote to my husband with as much as 25% discount but they deal only with over 50. I will be switching from LV and go with saga. Renewing with LV came higher than doing it online. It is £10 cheaper if I do it with LV online as a new customer. I find LV quite competitive. Hope this helps.

thenudeone

I have about 34% flat roof on my house and some insurers won't quote because of that; others don't seem to mind. Just be careful to read every question and assumption used when getting a quote. Often there's a maximum flat roof percentage hidden away somwhere