If you read the previous posts about the type of cover available and the extra things that are usually included, we now go through circumstances, events and things that are often not covered.
We have made this a simple list that you can check and if in doubt contact your insurer or broker.
Damage to your home caused by the actions of the sea such as a storm surge.
Breaking the law – for example, damage caused whilst you manufacture methamphetamine.
Building extensions – you would expect your builder to cover your home and his building work.
Buildings that are in poor condition. – for example a ceiling is water damaged as your roof has rust holes. The ceiling repairs may not be covered.
Ground movement such as settlement cracks within the house.
Parts of your home that were built in a manner that did not comply with regulations that existed at the time. A typical example is the pergola you built and covered with polycarbonate roofing. If you did not place enough slope on the pergola roof to comply with regulations then the repairs to the pergola may not be covered.
Power surge – damage to your home directly caused by a power surge. Damage by lightning is covered.
Radioactivity
Damage caused during a war
Damage caused by tree or plant roots.
Damage caused by hydrostatic water seepage. This is ground water that seeps through walls and causes damage. Damage caused by a storm is covered.
This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other things in your policy that are exclusions. There are two exclusions that are commonly talked about that are often misunderstood and these are:
Wear and Tear
Defects and poor workmanship
Wear and Tear
Often insurers will decline a claim on the basis of wear and tear. What does this mean and do they have the right to do so?
Wear and tear is defined as the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period of time. A typical and often seen example is the bedding and pointing to the ridge tiles of your roof. It deteriorates over time and may lead to tiles or pieces of mortar falling from your roof. The repair of the bedding and pointing in this circumstance would not be covered and insurers would expect you to maintain your home by paying to have the work done at your expense.
Another common example is carpet that wears out over time under normal usage and foot traffic. Insurers will not pay to replace carpet that is simply worn out.
Defects and Poor workmanship
If your home has defects or areas that are poorly built then cover is not provided for the defect or area that was poorly built.
This can be very distressing if the insurer has given the go ahead to a builder who then encounters a defect that needs to be fixed. The builder may agree to fix the problem but it will be at your cost. At that time, you are locked into a contract with a builder who may over charge to correct the defect.
A typical example is where a leak was found in the bathroom and during the course of repairs the builder finds damage caused by a leaking shower base as the shower is not waterproofed properly.
It is our suggestion that where such a defect is known or suspected that you ask the builder for a quotation to correct the defect before they start or ask the insurer to simply pay the repair costs (cash settle) and manage the repairs yourself. In the above example, the builder will most likely know if the shower is water tight (or you can ask him to check it), so you should discuss the shower with him and get him to quote the shower repair before starting.
Remember it is your home and the builder or insurer should not impose repairs or replacements on you that you are not comfortable with. If it is in your best interest to be paid out then phone and explain this to your insurer, who we are certain will act to assist you.
