Home Insurance for Shared Ownership apartment

lennykravitz

Hello, I have a mortgage on 40% of a Shared Ownership apartment.  Last year my shower screen smashed of its own accord.  I tried to claim on my contents insurance, which is the only insurance I have on the property since the Housing Association has buildings insurance, but they refused to pay out because it's fixed to the building and they said it's therefore not covered by my contents insurance.  I can't claim on the HA's policy either.  I now need to renew my policy but want to make sure I have the right cover, since there are lots of fixtures and fittings which are within my apartment which could go wrong.  Anyone have any suggestions for what I should be asking for?

eddddy

• Unfortunately, a shower screen that smashes of it's own accord probably wouldn't be covered by any type of insurance policy - it suggests that the shower screen was faulty and/or it was badly fitted.

• You say "there are lots of fixtures and fittings which are within my apartment which could go wrong" - again "things going wrong" won't be covered by buildings or contents insurance.

• You can get "Appliance Insurance" which might provide cover for breakdowns and accidental damage to washing machines, fridges etc - but a lot of people would say they're poor value.

• If your freeholder says that your improvements (e.g. luxury bathroom fittings, luxury fitted kitchen) aren't covered by the freeholder's insurance policy - you can investigate 'Tenant's Improvements Insurance'. But that won't cover thing's going wrong or shower screens smashing.

• But you might be able to get 'Accidental Damage' cover. But if you make a claim, you'll have an excess to pay, plus increased future premiums - so it probably won't be worth claim for damage of a few hundred pounds.