House insurance and cracked drain pipe

Beckyb

After noticing a blockage from the shower and getting a drainage company out, they found a crack in the pipe as it leaves the property and goes under the patio. I called my insurer and apparently this is not covered because I don't have ''accidental damage cover''. I had no idea that this would count as accidental damage, which begs the question as to what my insurance WILL cover. Is this usual for a cracked pipe to be classed in this way, and how can I best ensure that I choose insurance that will cover such eventualities? What add-ons would you recommend?

user1977

Beckyb said:

which begs the question as to what my insurance WILL cover.

It covers the risks stated in the policy - buildings insurance isn't meant to pay for normal maintenance, just sudden events - fire, flood, burglary etc. If it's cracked because it's just old and knackered, you pay for it.

dunstonh

After noticing a blockage from the shower and getting a drainage company out, they found a crack in the pipe as it leaves the property and goes under the patio. I called my insurer and apparently this is not covered because I don't have ''accidental damage cover''. 

I'm surprised it would have covered it under accidental damage either unless you damaged it accidentally.  This sounds more like routine maintenance and insurance isn't for that sort of thing.

Sandtree

dunstonh said:

After noticing a blockage from the shower and getting a drainage company out, they found a crack in the pipe as it leaves the property and goes under the patio. I called my insurer and apparently this is not covered because I don't have ''accidental damage cover''. 

I'm surprised it would have covered it under accidental damage either unless you damaged it accidentally.  This sounds more like routine maintenance and insurance isn't for that sort of thing.

That would have been determined upon inspection by the insurer (depending on if its worth a site visit depending on the cost of repair). I've seen at least one TPA that is fairly generous in what it considers AD when the cause is indeterminable