Party Wall Agreement - what do I need to tell insurer?

PJ_B

Hello everyone - any help with the following scenario would be greatly appreciated.

My home is a semi detached house.  I've received a Party Wall Notice from my immediate neighbour's insurer.  Their property is experiencing some subsidence (we think relatively minor) and the insurer proposes excavating within 3m from our property to install a 4m deep root barrier as probable cause is nearby trees (in a conservation area).  We've dissented, appointed a surveyor and the considered view of both surveyors is that the root barrier should extend across both rear gardens, affording both properties protection, rather than running down our neighbour's side return potentially pushing any damage towards our property.

Is the fact of a Party Wall Agreement, regardless of context, something I need to notify to my insurer?

Given that works are now proposed to take place within our demise does that also need to be notified to our insurer.

The whole situation is obviously unwelcome - our property (Edwardian, on London clay) has some internal cracking to plaster, but nothing that has changed substantially in the last 11 years and nothing that caused particular concern in a full survey when we purchased.  

What should we do?!

huckster

Check your policy wording, as there will be a section about when you need to inform your Insurers.

The party wall agreement alone is not a reason, if you have no damage to your property that would lead to a claim. Presuming that your survey has not mentioned possible subsidence to your property.

Annemos

Good evening PJ_B

This is not exactly like your situation. But I thought of you when I came across it today. 

Maybe you will find it interesting. Its an Ombudsman case that concerned neighbours and trees. 


https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN5506961.pdf