Structural crack - Dilema

engworldcup66

Hi

Can anyone help me with the following:

My grandma has discovered a diagonal crack above a window. Cracks about 10 cm wide goes up quite a bit. Talking with the neighbours it sounds like the houses were done on the cheap and that they have had a similar problem but many years ago. Unfortunately she still has wooden window frame and this has gone rotten and has added to the problem neighbours all have new windows so presumably the fault was found and sorted there and then.
I have consulted a builder and a structural engineer and they are in agreement it's the lintel failing or lack of.
It will cost between £1000 to £2000 to repair and no one can afford this so it is just a constant concern. I was wondering will it be covered by insurance?
Would they consider it wear and tear so no go? the builder said it would be a no go remedial/repair work not covered.
I do not want to get my grandma to call and ask as I have heard some insurance companies will assume subsidence which it is not and then there will be trouble come renewal time.

The policy runs out first week in November so is it too late as if my grandma switches to another company the present one will no longer deal with the problem? that's if she could claim

Any advice greatly appreciated.

TSx

Unfortunately not, if the lintel has failed the insurance will not cover it. Insurance usually only covers specified causes of damage (perils) and general failure / wear and tear is always excluded.

InsideInsurance

If its not subsidence then it wont be covered as, per above, wear and tear isnt covered and neither is defects in workmanship

How old is the property?

*Scarlett

Be careful to check the assumption questions when you are renewing - some companies ask about stepped or diagonal cracking. As you are aware it can be a sign of subsidence.

But if you have been advised by a builder and a structural engineer that it is wear and tear / maintenance you may be ok. Most companies will however require that properties are kept in a good state of repair to cover them.

A 10cm crack sounds like a really big crack and it would probably be prudent to have the issue fixed if at all possible. It's not going to get any better but may get worse.

I know the cost of this is out of your range at the minute but bear in mind that even if your insurer covered it under subsidence, you probably have a £1000 excess for that type of claim anyway.