Home insurance exclusions
Discussion
Now, I'm not interested in an insurance bashing thread, I'm trying to understand the logic of an exclusion on my policy.
We made a claim on our policy for some bathroom remedial work which included replacing a cracked sink and a travertine top. When I explained that I didn't know how it happened and I noticed it as dirt began to build up in the crack, AXA informed me that they wouldn't pay out as I couldn't explain how it happened.
They did say that if it had been accidental damage, then it would have been covered, but they can't put it against any category as I don't know the cause, so its excluded. I thought my honesty would ensure it was dealt with fairly, it appears not. I can't find the wording in the T&C's that cover this, but I don't speak jargon so it's more than likely I'm not reading it properly.
Does this sound right, I thought I paid my policy to ensure we were covered for things like this. £330 exclusion for the sink is a lot of money for us to fork out at the moment with a newborn and a single income.
Would like to understand if this is standard on most HI policies and whether or not I can remove this exclusion come renewal time.
Cheers
ACP
We made a claim on our policy for some bathroom remedial work which included replacing a cracked sink and a travertine top. When I explained that I didn't know how it happened and I noticed it as dirt began to build up in the crack, AXA informed me that they wouldn't pay out as I couldn't explain how it happened.
They did say that if it had been accidental damage, then it would have been covered, but they can't put it against any category as I don't know the cause, so its excluded. I thought my honesty would ensure it was dealt with fairly, it appears not. I can't find the wording in the T&C's that cover this, but I don't speak jargon so it's more than likely I'm not reading it properly.
Does this sound right, I thought I paid my policy to ensure we were covered for things like this. £330 exclusion for the sink is a lot of money for us to fork out at the moment with a newborn and a single income.
Would like to understand if this is standard on most HI policies and whether or not I can remove this exclusion come renewal time.
Cheers
ACP
Ozzie Osmond said:
Yes. Insurance generally covers only sudden failures, not long term deterioration.
By way of example, you can't ignore a damp patch caused by a leaking gutter and then expect to claim for "flood damage" 12 months later.
It's essential to notify your insurer of a potential claim at the first sign of trouble. They can then expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Fair enough, I did notice it about 6 weeks ago, but I've spent that time since trying to get a quote from the original supplying company for the remedial work before I raised the claim. Maybe should have just called them straight away.By way of example, you can't ignore a damp patch caused by a leaking gutter and then expect to claim for "flood damage" 12 months later.
It's essential to notify your insurer of a potential claim at the first sign of trouble. They can then expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
I think this is an install error, the travertine top causing the sink to crack. But the bathroom was installed 4 years ago, so I have no way of proving that. The remedial work is costing enough that the claim is worthwhile, I'll foot the bill for the excess and the cost of the sink. I was just curious if this was the norm never having claimed before.
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