Insurance for windows in leasehold flat

eAi

Hi,

We live in a leasehold flat. Recently one of our double glazing windows broke spontaneously. Our freeholder has building insurance (from Littlenlarge.com) and we have contents insurance (with Endsleigh).

Our lease states that the property includes the windows and window frames.

I've contacted the freeholder who says that his understanding is that the building insurance doesn't cover our windows. I'm finding it hard to confirm this either way.

If the windows aren't insured by the building insurance, do we have to get our own building insurance to cover this in the future? Aren't we then unnecessarily doubly insured for lots of things?

Thanks!

InsideInsurance

Buildings insurance would normally cover windows however you need the cause of the breakage to be an insured peril (fire, theft, vandalism, accidental damage). Spontaneous breaking suggests something else is involved and so unless you have movement in the property it isnt likely to be an insured peril.

Secondly, once you have paid the excess and factor in future premium increases its unlikely that it'd be cost effective to make an insurance claim for a single window unless you have a very large picture window or one with particularly expensive glass/ electronics in it.