Home Insurance State Not Covered While Scaffold Is Up

Ladywriter1968

We have a company called Keepmoat who are putting up scaffold on our blocks for some properties having new windows as arranged by our local borough. This company does not have a good reputation as to many mistakes and unhappy residents last year in our area with rewiring of flats and damage they caused including our flat at that time.

We already have new windows so dont need it done, Keepmoats letter advised people to tell their insurance company about the scaffolding going up, so I rang my home insurance and was told, we are not covered while there is scaffolding up at our blocks, any liability will fall to the company for damage and security etc, we are going away next week, I asked Keepmoat about the scaffold was it alarmed, they said no but has a lock on it and will be very secure. Its not a great confident answer from my insurance company knowing the companies reputation but it is what it is I guess. Home contents insurance.

Any thoughts anyone?

huckster

Re scaffolding, the exclusion relates to thefts when windows left open. While the scaffolding is up, you have to keep windows closed to ensure theft cover. Leaving windows open with scaffolding up, it a bit like having windows open downstairs in a house or the door open. OK if you are by the open door or window, but if you are not there, you will be seen to have taken an unacceptable risk. Keep windows closed and if you have window locks, use them.

In regard to scaffolding causing damage to the flat walls, that would be a legal argument between you and the scaffolding company. Whether the flats Buildings Insurance would cover any damage caused or help you legally to get any damage repaired, you would have to find out from whoever deals with the flats maintenance/insurance.

Ladywriter1968

huckster wrote: »

Re scaffolding, the exclusion relates to thefts when windows left open. While the scaffolding is up, you have to keep windows closed to ensure theft cover. Leaving windows open with scaffolding up, it a bit like having windows open downstairs in a house or the door open. OK if you are by the open door or window, but if you are not there, you will be seen to have taken an unacceptable risk. Keep windows closed and if you have window locks, use them.

In regard to scaffolding causing damage to the flat walls, that would be a legal argument between you and the scaffolding company. Whether the flats Buildings Insurance would cover any damage caused or help you legally to get any damage repaired, you would have to find out from whoever deals with the flats maintenance/insurance.

I told insurance company we will have windows closed and locked as we have keys for windows but they said it make no difference as the scaffold enables anyone to climb up it risking security, I guess its pass the buck time again.While the company is doing works the company is liable. The scaffold will be up for weeks. We didnt ask for these works the borough decided it. Its fine when we are here but just concerned as we are going away for a week. and they have said we wont be covered... due to scaffold being up. to let them know when its removed and we will be covered again.