Claim on buildings insurance worth it?

JigglyPlates111

Keeping it brief, had a mains water pipe under my drive way start leaking water up through the blocked paving on Saturday. Saw a trickle of water coming up and it’s now VERY obvious half of the driveway has sunken. Had the leak repaired but you can see through the hole dug up the amount of damage it’s caused to the underneath. It has clearly been leaking for a long time and I just haven’t noticed as it’s been such wet weather.

had a quote for £1300 for replacing 13sqm of the block paving / screed / base etc and levelling back out. 

already paid £280 to have the leak repaired but wasn’t left with an invoice - was just a local guy who could sort it quickly. Assume I can’t claim for a cash job for that. 

Building insurance excess for ‘water leak damage’ is £600. 

I’ve heard horror stories about claiming on buildings insurance and the impact on future premiums. Really not sure if it’s worth claiming the £1300 (would get £700 back) for driveway replacement or not in the long term.

Can anyone share their experience .and / or advice?

DullGreyGuy

Have you read your policy to see if you are covered? 

Underground pipes are normally covered for accidental damage (you dig into it) rather than wear and tear. Similarly if they consider it under ground movement then driveways are only covered if the house itself is impacted. 

I can't say I have come across an external Escape of Water claim, but in internal ones the cause of the escape isnt covered but the resultant damage is. It will ultimately come down to how it is defined in your particular policy, certainly there are cases on the Ombudsman's website where they have sided with the insurer that a supply pipe didnt meet the definition in their particular policy book.

TELLIT01

I've seen the same horror stories about impact on premiums, but have claimed twice on buildings insurance over the years and not seen any obvious impact on premiums.  In fact for the 2 years following my last claim the premiums actually went down.