Damage to block paved drive caused by tree roots

jfpowell33

We had a new block paved drive laid about 12 years ago. Over the last 4-5 years, roots from an adjacent tree have lifted the drive in a number of places, causing a trip hazard to visitors. The tree is subject to a TPO. Has anyone claimed on their home insurance (successfully or not) to have a similar problem rectified?  Research would suggest that only sudden damage would be covered, but given that it is now a hazard, I am thinking that remedial work is needed to avoid possible claims from any injured party .... god forbid. Thank you

TadleyBaggie

I'd be very surprised if house insurance would cover remedial work.

TELLIT01

I would question what remedial work to the block paving would provide any form of long term solution.  Removing some of the base layers would give temporary relief but the roots will continue to grow and the problem would repeat.  The only long term solution would be removal of the tree.  I've known councils to do that when it is affecting a public footpath but don't know if they would do the same for a problem with a private driveway rather than potential damage to a house.

leonj

That's why they use gravel / stones out in the sticks rather than hard surfaces, now you know 

greyteam1959

Who owns the tree ??

Sandtree

jfpowell33 said:
Research would suggest that only sudden damage would be covered, but given that it is now a hazard, I am thinking that remedial work is needed to avoid possible claims from any injured party .... god forbid. Thank you

As you say, its not a sudden event and therefore is highly unlikely to be covered.

Remember that your policy also requires you to keep your property in a good state of repair and so if you leave it thinking people could injure themselves on it then you are likely to be in breach of your policy terms and could have cover excluded for an injury

Smithcom

Insurance will not cover preventative measures required to avoid a loss.   That's the role of the policyholder.
You need to take appropriate/reasonable measures to keep your property safe, to avoid situations which could result in a claim. Failure to do so could cause you coverage problems.
SC