Building insurance cover only covers work since you bought it?

littlerock

OH has found a leak in his bathroom wall, (bought the house in March 2017, it is not a new house, not found in full survey). His insurance company, LLoyds, has told him he is not covered because the policy only covers work done since he bought the house and in any case it is a gradual leak so not covered. i think he has the wrong end of the stick. Is that right? Anyone got a Lloyds Buildings Cover policy to verify?

TadleyBaggie

Makes no sense, based on that logic it would pointless having any insurance at all after moving into a house, nothing would be covered.

EachPenny

Sounds like some crossed wires.... is he (or Lloyds) thinking this is an accidental damage claim rather than a standard buildings claim?

It would make sense for them to refuse an accidental damage claim if, for example, the leak had been caused by someone putting a screw into the wall where a pipe is before you purchased, as opposed to accidental damage you or your OH caused.

The fact they say as a "gradual leak" it is not covered would suggest it is either a) non-accidental or b) considered wear and tear.

missile

Insurance would not normally cover repair of a leak, only any consequential damage.

Andrew_Davies

Sounds like typical stubbornness with the insurer (leak detection is my day job).

Wear and tear is not correct for pipes not exposed, but is a common bolt hole for insurers. Repairs are not covered, but the damage caused is and if you have Trace and Access cover (most do including Lloyds) then so is the cost of finding and getting to the leak and the repairs, not from water damage to £5000.

Not wanting to spam, but insurers even pop up on Disney animation and we even included these on our website. Funny how a simple childrens animation can get it so right!

https://www.ukleakdetection.co.uk/water-damage-insurance/