Home Insurance - Purchase Following Survey

colcheslad

Hi all, we are part way through the purchase of a property and our survey has just revealed some cracks on the exterior wall.  It was originally thought to be drainage issues however a drainage survey could not confirm, so now it is thought that it is caused by guttering causing water to freeze and contracting the mortar in the walls.

Assuming we intend to have the guttering replaced, would there be any issues on arranging insurance in case it did turn out to be drainage or something structural?  Running a few dummy quotes online doesn't seem to provide anywhere this would be declared.

Thanks in advance!

bluelad1927

I haven't come across a building insurance policy that DOESN'T ask if there are external cracks. They will want to know what these cracks are before insuring

You will not be able to insure against something that turns out nastier than you currently think

DullGreyGuy

colcheslad said:

Hi all, we are part way through the purchase of a property and our survey has just revealed some cracks on the exterior wall.  It was originally thought to be drainage issues however a drainage survey could not confirm, so now it is thought that it is caused by guttering causing water to freeze and contracting the mortar in the walls.

Assuming we intend to have the guttering replaced, would there be any issues on arranging insurance in case it did turn out to be drainage or something structural?  Running a few dummy quotes online doesn't seem to provide anywhere this would be declared.

It is pre-existing so wouldn't be covered by any insurance you buy now... you need to consider the potential costs of fixing the issue in your offer price as you'll be the one funding any repairs. 

colcheslad

Thanks!  I've checked LV and Churchill and they ask if the property has ever suffered from or is showing signs of subsidence, landslip or heave, or structural issues.  Would cracks caused by guttering fall into either of those?  

user1977

colcheslad said:

Thanks!  I've checked LV and Churchill and they ask if the property has ever suffered from or is showing signs of subsidence, landslip or heave, or structural issues.  Would cracks caused by guttering fall into either of those?  

No. And I don't think I've encountered vague questions about "cracks" either. I don't think it's an issue, though (I hope) obviously, the insurers aren't going to pay to fix it.

DullGreyGuy

colcheslad said:

Thanks!  I've checked LV and Churchill and they ask if the property has ever suffered from or is showing signs of subsidence, landslip or heave, or structural issues.  Would cracks caused by guttering fall into either of those?  

See what your surveyor says... if you say its water overflowing from guttering causing damp thats then frozen that doesn't fall into the first 3 categories and the survey hopefully has already confirmed if its structural or cosmetic at this point.