Home Insurance - Damp

sportsarb

I'm aware the specific answer to my circumstances will depend on my policy but I wanted to ask you good people to check if anyone has any experience of claiming for damp.

My policy mentions not covering wear and tear, that is obviously vague and could amount to almost anything, so I'm not sure what this means in my case.

I've had a specialist out to have a look at the area and he has advised of extensive mildew, this was an area that was largely hidden due to stuff being in front of it, and that there were a few reasons it may have occurred.

The observations he made were that the kitchen level is at the same height as the outside (but I don't see that anything can be done about that), there are some cracks in the outside wall, the base of the wall is also damaged to some extent. There is an outside tap.

The kitchen is also quite small and currently no extraction system (This would be dealt with in the new kitchen). So the repeated cooking and associated moisture over extended periods won't have helped.

A work colleague has stated they had a similar issue and that it was dealt with by their insurance. I'm doubtful that it is covered but want more advice if possible.

The house is quite dated it must be said. Lots of problems appearing.

paddyandstumpy

You'll find damp under the general exclusions.

What policy do you have, and we can direct you to the exact page.

EdGasket

It is unlikely to be insured unless the result of a sudden incident like a burst pipe. Just general degradation due to lack of maintenance would not be covered. You might want to check why your walls are cracking; there may be a subsidence claim there but be warned, insurers have loads of exclusions up their sleeve for subsidence!

kingstreet

sportsarb wrote: »

the kitchen level is at the same height as the outside

This usually indicates that moisture is bridging the damp course because there is soil in contact with the wall. A recommendation for a French drain (a trench against the wall where the soil is removed) is made.

Better advice on this will come by posting on HBR&S. This really isn't an Insurance issue.

sportsarb

paddyandstumpy wrote: »

You'll find damp under the general exclusions.

What policy do you have, and we can direct you to the exact page.

Its a policy with Aegeas for Buildings and contents.

Just to be clear, I didn't think it would be covered, was discussing it at work and someone chimed in with story about how they got insurance to pay for new kitchen for a damp issue. My immediate thought was 'Yeah, !!!!!!!!' but had to check out if others had any experience.

EdGasket wrote: »

It is unlikely to be insured unless the result of a sudden incident like a burst pipe. Just general degradation due to lack of maintenance would not be covered. You might want to check why your walls are cracking; there may be a subsidence claim there but be warned, insurers have loads of exclusions up their sleeve for subsidence!

Its not a burst pipe, there's no evidence of any leaks anywhere. To be honest, if it's subsidence and insurance don't cover it, I'm inclined to let the house collapse and with me on the inside.

I never expected home ownership to be easy but this year has been testing. A pipe leaked oil at the property too, having been repaired some time before I was in the house, and affected the neighbours property also.

That's finally complete, I've got rid of oil heating myself, and got gas installed.

kingstreet wrote: »

This usually indicates that moisture is bridging the damp course because there is soil in contact with the wall. A recommendation for a French drain (a trench against the wall where the soil is removed) is made.

Better advice on this will come by posting on HBR&S. This really isn't an Insurance issue.

Well, it is an insurance issue when I'm asking about whether insurance companies can deal with these issues.

However, I appreciate the suggestion about the other board, I've already had a reputable (albeit likely self serving) expert out to have a look. They'll likely be able to point me into what is necessary and what would be ideal.

paddyandstumpy

Is it an Ageas branded policy wording? I ask because they are on most of the Broker branded wordings out there (like the AA's), so just because Ageas are the underwriters it only narrows it down slightly!

Your insurance won't cover damp, it's it's own exclusion but could also be classed as a gradually operating cause.

Your work colleague either got lucky with a sloppy loss adjuster, or has embellished their story...

sportsarb

paddyandstumpy wrote: »

Is it an Ageas branded policy wording? I ask because they are on most of the Broker branded wordings out there (like the AA's), so just because Ageas are the underwriters it only narrows it down slightly!

Your insurance won't cover damp, it's it's own exclusion but could also be classed as a gradually operating cause.

Your work colleague either got lucky with a sloppy loss adjuster, or has embellished their story...

Ageas probably are just the underwriters, the branding is Santander and it shows up in my accounts on their online banking.

The gradual deterioration clause was the bit that immediately stopped me reading the rest of the policy. The wall hasn't suddenly become dark with mildew. This has been gradual and over time.

Personally, I think much of the cosmetic issue is caused by just the lack of extraction, cooking moisture hitting the wall. The other issues certainly won't be helping in any way.

As for the work colleague, I'd say they are waffling, they are well capable of it. They are maybe confusing damp with escape of water.

EDIT: Santander Options Home

paddyandstumpy

I'm fairly sure that Santander is actually just an affinity of BGL/BISL, if so; the company I work for also underwrites that wording and I can confidently say damp is excluded.

EDIT: from memory branch/direct web sales are all Aviva, and aggregator sales are BGL.

sportsarb

paddyandstumpy wrote: »

I'm fairly sure that Santander is actually just an affinity of BGL/BISL, if so; the company I work for also underwrites that wording and I can confidently say damp is excluded.

EDIT: from memory branch/direct web sales are all Aviva, and aggregator sales are BGL.

BISL sounds extremely familiar in relation to my Insurance without even needing to check the documentation.

Thanks for your help on this, I knew not to get my hopes up that insurance would cover this, glad (Though sad) to have it confirmed.