PV panels as part of buildings insurance

Kernel_Sanders

This post, from another sub-forum, was last updated about 4 months ago. I was wondering if anyone could add to this list or maybe elaborate on just what might be covered e.g. I note it states 'fully covered' for Direct Line SELECT, but does this mean malicious damage is covered or just that solar would be included in the rebuild if the whole house burned down? Also, surely the cover for the Co-op is the other way round than stated. That would be like saying that a visitor to your property would be covered for anything falling from your property except a panel.

thenudeone wrote: »

Can anyone help update the following list and / or give suggestions for home insurers that offer cover for solar panels, and whether this is in the same way as, for example a TV aerial, i.e. the panels itself are covered and also damage to other property caused by the panels.

I originally started this in the Green & Ethical board but it probably fits better here, so I've asked for any posts to be made here instead of there. I will update this post with updated information as it becomes available.

AA - no problems
AXA - no mention in policy
Bank of Scotland - covered. see post 25
Co-op - covers accidental damage to panels but apparently not damage caused by panels
Direct Line - no mention
Direct Line SELECT - fully covered
esure - no problems
Lloyds TSB - no problems
LV= - covered
M&S - covered
More Than - considered as fixture & fitting (contents in the open if freestanding) - see post #5
Nationwide - recognised as part of the structure of the home
NFU - not covered; one MSE user was told that the entire policy will be void because obtaining FIT payments is classed as a business see post https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2922364 No other update
Prudential - no problems
Saga - covered. see post 26
http://www.naturesave.co.uk - Cover for domestic renewable energy systems included as standard
Thanks

rogerblack

As a technical point - if the house burned down, is it legally possible to replace the whole system, and retain entitlement to FITs?

Kernel_Sanders

I imagine the system would be treated as a new build install Roger, (which is exactly what it would be). Also, if your array was installed over a year ago then you can kiss goodbye to 43.5p (or whatever that rate has gone up to today).

InVestor_2

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I imagine the system would be treated as a new build install Roger, (which is exactly what it would be). Also, if your array was installed over a year ago then you can kiss goodbye to 43.5p (or whatever that rate has gone up to today).

Why on Earth would it be treated as a new build?

It would be a replacement.

I'm sure plenty of lawyers would probably jump at the chance to represent you if what you're suggesting happened.

You really think 'the powers that be' would like that sort of publicity?

rogerblack

InVestor wrote: »

I'm sure plenty of lawyers would probably jump at the chance to represent you if what you're suggesting happened.

This relies on common sense - and there being an appropriate clause to allow it in the law.
It isn't obvious to me that the regulations would have written to allow complete replacement. Edge cases tend to get left off.

zeupater

Hi

I'd agree with InVestor and say that with the registered address being the same that the system would be seen/treated as a repair and possible change of MPAN, not as a new system install .... this would be handled in exactly the same way as the 'repair' to the house not needing new planning consent if the building would be effectively the same when rebuilt .... wouldn't prevent the loss of a number of months of generation income whilst there was no roof though ...

Anyway, back to the original point of whether the system is included on existing insurance policy, or not. My opinion is that even on policies where it is explicitly stated as covered it is the responsibility of the insured party to ensure that the additional value of any addition to the building is reflected in the total 'rebuild' insured value, as would be the case for any addition/extension such as a conservatory, extra bedrooms or garage. Failing to address the additional total rebuild cost would almost certainly result in any claim having the payment reduced by a percentage relative (at least) to the shortfall ....

HTH
Z

[Deleted User]

I had a solar panel replaced under Churchill home insurance. Part of a storm damage claim Brilliant service

Kernel_Sanders

jeepjunkie wrote: »

I had a solar panel replaced under Churchill home insurance. Part of a storm damage claim Brilliant service

Did they pay for everything, including scaffolding? Maybe it was accessed from a ladder, but did the policy imply that they would have paid?

[Deleted User]

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Did they pay for everything, including scaffolding? Maybe it was accessed from a ladder, but did the policy imply that they would have paid?

Yes, everything covered. Assessor only interested in total cost to replace.

Kernel_Sanders

OK then, I've found an attractive quote on a comparison site and downloaded the policy. No mention of panels in it, so do I just add the current installation costs of my system onto the rebuilding costs and hope for the best? This quote relies on cashback to make it competitive, but that is only paid if there is no employee involvement in selling the policy.

Martyn1981

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

OK then, I've found an attractive quote on a comparison site and downloaded the policy. No mention of panels in it, so do I just add the current installation costs of my system onto the rebuilding costs and hope for the best? This quote relies on cashback to make it competitive, but that is only paid if there is no employee involvement in selling the policy.

It may well cover the PV, since most seem to simply class it as part of the building/roof structure. But if there is no mention at all, you'll really need to ask them just in case. Catch 22 I suspect.

Mart.