Insurance - how can I be covered?

Attila2020

Hi all,
We moved out of our address in Scotland last week. Our address was covered by home and contents insurance and still is whilst I sort out changes of address. 

However, 2 days after the new owners moved in, they ran the bath. When they pulled the plug out it leaked and came through the kitchen ceiling. We aren’t ‘bath’ people and it hasn’t been used for some time. My solicitor contacted me with the good news and informed me that 5 days after moving out of an address we are still responsible for things that don’t work (which I don’t dispute) and must therefore sort out tradesmen to do the repairs. 

My question is, how could I have covered myself for this scenario. I am now facing a bill for repairs to the ceiling and any electrics but how could I have avoided this if I am no longer the legal owner of the property? 

Nasqueron

What did your solicitor say when you asked them? That is surely what you are paying them for? 

DullGreyGuy

Attila2020 said:

Hi all,
We moved out of our address in Scotland last week. Our address was covered by home and contents insurance and still is whilst I sort out changes of address. 

However, 2 days after the new owners moved in, they ran the bath. When they pulled the plug out it leaked and came through the kitchen ceiling. We aren’t ‘bath’ people and it hasn’t been used for some time. My solicitor contacted me with the good news and informed me that 5 days after moving out of an address we are still responsible for things that don’t work (which I don’t dispute) and must therefore sort out tradesmen to do the repairs. 

My question is, how could I have covered myself for this scenario. I am now facing a bill for repairs to the ceiling and any electrics but how could I have avoided this if I am no longer the legal owner of the property? 

So by "moved out" you mean you sold the property or something else? 

I'm aware that the Scottish standard clauses does give a period of ongoing liability that things are working properly after completion unless you stated something was a problem during the legal process. Unfortunately most insurance companies are based in England and dont have specialist policies to sell in Scotland. I'd be going back to your solicitor to ask their advices and what the normal options are... eg could you suggest they claim from their Home insurance for the damage and you reimburse their excess

XRS200

The 5 day rule covers certain things - does it cover this?

There's a minimum amount rule too.

Ask your solicitor if you are liable for the pipe repair and the consequences of the leak

user1977

XRS200 said:

Ask your solicitor if you are liable for the pipe repair and the consequences of the leak

Only the former.

See clause 4: https://www.lawscot.org.uk/media/2e1ltuye/clients-guide-to-ssc-5.pdf

Besides which - surely the buyers will have insurance covering the damage, irrespective of whether the OP is in breach of that warranty?

I've never heard of sellers being advised to consider insurance for such warranties. Generally it's going to be things which normal insurance wouldn't cover anyway e.g. the boiler breaking down.