House Insurance Issue - I'm not sure if it's covered

ExpressPolarBear

Oh damn, what a shambles . I can't delete posts, which doesn't help.

"My house had limited access, BC insisted on a sprinkler system which is connected to the mains water (no big tanks). "

That could maybe provide a solution. How much does that sort of thing cost, if you don't mind me asking?

user1977

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027864#Comment_80027864

You're misunderstanding how insurance works. You don't need to exercise your imagination to come up with bizarre excuses for the insurers not paying out. If you haven't lied on the proposal form and you're not breaching the conditions of the policy, you're covered. If they cared about fire engine access, it's up to them to ask about it.

Obviously though you might prefer to come up with solutions for your own assurance, so you don't end up claiming for a pile of cinders…

Murphybear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80023815#Comment_80023815

in places like Cornwall there are hundreds of very narrow roads. I'm sure the fire brigade couldn't refuse to attend because of the road width. My experience of local fire services is that they are quite happy to advise on fire hazards.

SaverRate

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80023824#Comment_80023824

It wouldnt necessarily need a big water tank.

The Fire Brigade would ask for a wet riser/hydrant system connected to the mains water.

BC depending on the property may go one step further and ask for a sprinkler system install or mist system. (Dont go mist its not regulated so the installs are disasterous).

If you want quotes/more info on the above have a look at Red Book Live/BAFSA

https://www.bafsa.org.uk/find/

https://www.redbooklive.com/search/index.jsp

propertyrental

• insurance would not be invalidated unless you'd been specifically asked about the access and lied.
• I've ever seen such a question on insurance applications
• I've never heard of insurance being invalidated for this reason
• yes on new builds, Building Control might insist on specific requirements (eg rising main, sprinklers, water tank, whatever) but that would not apply to existing property like this
• just go on a comparison site and get insurance quotes, based on the questions you are asked
• do not (repeat, NOT) approach the existing insurer with queries about this - all you'll do is open a can of worms and possibly invalidate the policy by introducing a factor the underwriters had till then considered irrelevant
• for the avoidance of doubt, read my previous bullet point again!
• as a separate issue, who owns the road/track? Who maintains it? Who has right of way over it?

GDB2222

https://www.abi.org.uk/data-and-resources/tools-and-resources/how-to-buy-insurance/what-the-consumer-insurance-act-means-for-customers/

What is happening?

From 6th April 2013, your insurer will have to ask you specific questions to obtain relevant information about your circumstances when you buy insurance. The Consumer Insurance Act will give you legal protection if you unknowingly give incorrect or incomplete information to your insurer. This means your insurer will not be able to decline a claim on the grounds off non-disclosure unless you carelessly or deliberately lied or misrepresented your circumstances.

Mutton_Geoff

ExpressPolarBear said:

Oh damn, what a shambles . I can't delete posts, which doesn't help.

"My house had limited access, BC insisted on a sprinkler system which is connected to the mains water (no big tanks). "

That could maybe provide a solution. How much does that sort of thing cost, if you don't mind me asking?

Sorry, can't help. It was included in the new build house I bought.

To delete your post, click the cog on the top right of the post and select delete.