What is buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects the structure of a building from damages caused by various factors, such as natural disasters, accidents, and vandalism. This type of insurance is crucial for any property owner, whether it’s a freehold property or a leasehold flat.
In the case of a leasehold flat, the buildings insurance policy is usually the responsibility of the freehold property owner or the landlord. However, it’s important to note that the costs of the insurance policy are likely to be passed on to the leasehold flat owner through the service charge.
- Coverage: Buildings insurance policy covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the structure of the building in case of damages caused by a range of scenarios such as flooding, fires, storms, earthquakes, burst pipes, and other structural damage.
- Exclusions: The policy usually excludes damages caused by general wear and tear, and damages caused by terrorism or war. Make sure to read the policy in detail and understand what is and isn’t covered.
- Optional coverage: Some policies offer optional coverage to include damages caused by subsidence or ground heave, accidental damage, and legal expenses.
Buildings insurance is particularly important for properties such as flats and apartments, where the structure of the building is shared by multiple residents. Any damages to the building structure could impact all the residents and their finances.
Are there any exclusions to buildings insurance for leasehold flats?
While leasehold flats typically require buildings insurance, there may be exclusions to coverage that tenants should be aware of. Some common exclusions include:
- Damage caused by acts of terrorism or war. In some cases, buildings insurance policies may have clauses specifying that damage resulting from acts of terrorism or war are not covered. Tenants should check their policy to see if there are any such exclusions.
- Wear and tear. Buildings insurance policies typically do not provide coverage for damage caused by normal wear and tear over time. Tenants may need to cover these repairs themselves.
- Damage caused by poor maintenance. If damage is caused by a lack of proper maintenance, buildings insurance may not cover the costs. Tenants are responsible for maintaining their flats and reporting any issues to the appropriate parties as soon as possible to avoid such exclusions.
Additionally, tenants should be aware that the terms of buildings insurance policies and exclusions may vary depending on the insurer and policy. It is recommended that those who are concerned about possible exclusions review their policy carefully and speak with an insurance agent if necessary. Understanding the extent and limitations of coverage is essential to ensure that leasehold flats are adequately protected.