Home Insurance and Building work

PierremontQuaker03

Hi, I am about to purchase a new annual building and contents policy - but potentially I could have some building work starting during the year - a new kitchen, flat roof, beams (removal of a wall) etc etc - I suppose it makes sense to take out a decent policy, will legal, accidental and home emergency cover - just incase the worst things happen (I know I have to notify my insurer if work is going to start).

Mark_d

If you're plumbing in a new kitchen and this causes a water leak, I'm not sure whether this would be covered under home emergency because you have a much higher risk than someone not doing plumbing work.

Would it count as accidental damage if you knocked a wall down and accidentally destroyed the coffee table on the other side of the wall?

Annemos

Do some of the Insurance Companies actually cancel an existing policy, when they find out Building Works are to be done? Then one has to find a Specialist Policy that allows Building works to be done? 

PierremontQuaker03

I think you guys are right - I don't think it will make much difference whether I go for the extra parts of the policy.  Ultimately when building works start I might need to pay extra or cancel this policy and get a new one which allows building works.

MysteryMe

You need to employ tradesman who hold the appropriate public liability insurance and if they cause damage you claim off of their insurance.  

For your own general insurance purposes it makes sense to cover your own risk as fully as you wish inc legal cover

DullGreyGuy

Mark_d said:

If you're plumbing in a new kitchen and this causes a water leak, I'm not sure whether this would be covered under home emergency because you have a much higher risk than someone not doing plumbing work.

Would it count as accidental damage if you knocked a wall down and accidentally destroyed the coffee table on the other side of the wall?

Home Emergency isn't always insurance at all but irrespective of that its typically got very different terms compared to Home insurance. It tends not to have the exclusions for poor workmanship or wear and tear however it's only to deal with the emergency not a long term solution. So if the plumber breaks something then no you can't call them out whilst the plumber is still there but if it breaks over night they most likely will respond. 

If the OP was doing the work themselves and taking down a wall didnt trigger the need to inform them of building works (may or may not depending on definitions) then yes accidentally damaging the coffee table behind would be covered. 

ThisIsWeird

Absolutely include LegalProtection, a good, solid policy.
Everything else is optional :-)

Albermarle

When I have informed our home insurer in the past that building work was planned, they just said thanks for telling us. No policy change or premium ( we already had legal cover) 
Have a look at the small print in the policy terms and conditions.

If the builders cause a problem it is down to their insurers.