House insurance in proximity to ditch

Lehane

I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice. My house overlooks a ditch that is 30-40m from the front of my house. In summer it's fine but in winter it's there to drain water from the surrounding fields. Last winter it filled up during heavy rain but certainly didn't flood, however I'm not sure how to classify it when getting house insurance? Should I be declaring the house is near a stream? But it isn't a stream on a map and wasn't indicated when I bought the house on the searches.

I want to ensure I'm getting the right cover if it means spending a bit more, but equally if it doesn't fit into the classification then I don't want to over egg the situation.

Thanks in advance! Could of pictures below to show the distance and the ditch itself (which isn't in that great condition any more ...)

user1977

I think reasonable to describe it as a watercourse. Bear in mind you only need to answer the questions the insurers ask you - so what exactly are those?

chrisw

I think you need to mention it as it looks more like a watercourse than a 'ditch'. Although it didn't flood last winter that doesn't necessarily mean it won't in the future. It flows ok when it's properly maintained but it looks like it wouldn't take much for a blockage to form below those railings and overtop.

dunstonh

Whilst that is a ditch, it is deeper and has more capacity than a conventional ditch.
Ditches normally empty during Spring to early winter.  If they have water in them all year round and the water is flowing, then it's more likely to be classed as a stream.

However, don't be too concerned about declaring it.   Within the distance you mention, I have three farm ponds, two sides of a moat and ditches galore and it doesn't worry the insurer or cause a premium increase.

If in doubt, phone the insurer and ask them if its something that should be declared or not.   Note the time and date of the call and the person you spoke to.

Lehane

Thanks all for the feedback - since messaging I managed to wipe my email address and only just logged back in! I'll call some insurers and check.