Buildings insurance - What is not covered

The things you will not be able to claim for are listed in the ‘exclusions’ section of a policy document. In the case of buildings insurance the following exclusions will almost certainly be listed, and excluded:
· Damage as a result of bad maintenance (you have a responsibility to keep your property in a good state of repair, so if your roof is blown off in a storm because you have not kept it in good condition, the insurance company will not pay out)
· Routine repairs for normal wear and tear on the property (you will not be able to claim for getting your house repainted just because it is time it was done)
· Wilful damage (e.g. a fire you started yourself)
· Accidental damage, unless you have asked for this to be specifically included in the cover
· Gradual damage caused by processes like rot, woodworm, mildew and rust
· Smoke damage where there have been no flames or burning (if you want smoke damage to be covered you will have to ask for the policy to be extended to cover it – and pay more)
· Flood or storm damage to a fence or hedge
· Damage to underground pipes and cables outside the boundaries of your property (which are the responsibility of the gas, electricity or water company)
· Damage caused by sonic bangs, radioactive contamination or war
· The full cost of damage as a result of subsidence, heave or landslip (there is always an excess to pay)
· Damage caused by domestic pets
· Certain causes of damage – such as theft and burst pipes – if your property is left unoccupied or unfurnished for a specified period (often 30 days)
· Damage as a result of subsidence, heave or landslip to boundary and garden walls, gates, hedges, fences, paths, drives, patios and swimming pools, unless the main building, garage or other outbuildings are damaged at the same time
· Damage as a result of normal settlement, shrinkage and expansion
· Damage to solid floor slabs, or damage resulting from the movement of solid floor slabs, unless the external walls of the building are damaged at the same time
· Damage as a result of faulty workmanship (in that case you should sue the workman) or defective materials
· Damage during demolition, structural alteration or repairs
· Damage from coastal or river erosion
· Damage caused by the settling of newly made-up ground (the industry jargon for this is ‘compaction of infill’)
· Any damage for which you could claim compensation under legislation.

Most policies will exclude cover for matching sets (a bathroom suite, for example) if only one item is damaged but no matching, suitable replacement is available. Some policies may also exclude or restrict claims for:
· Damage caused by vandalism or riot in Northern Ireland – and some insurers will not insure property in Northern Ireland at all
· Homes built before a certain date (generally 1900 or 1850)