We all pay our home insurance premiums hoping we'll never need to use them. But if you wake up to a damp patch on your ceiling or a flooded basement, you expect your insurer to have your back.
The reality? It might not be that simple.
In the industry, there's a massive difference between an "Accident" and "Gradual Deterioration." At Sweep Sisters, we've seen how a £150 maintenance job can save a homeowner from a £10,000 repair bill that their insurance company refuses to pay.
Here's what you need to know to protect your home and your policy.
1. The "Maintenance Clause"
Almost every home insurance policy in the UK has a clause stating that the homeowner must keep the property in a "good state of repair."
If water enters your home because a pipe burst suddenly, that's usually covered. However, if water enters your home because your gutters were so full of moss and leaves that the water backed up under your roof tiles, the insurer may call this "Lack of Maintenance."
Real Example:
"Homeowner in Chelmsford had £8,000 worth of ceiling and wall damage after blocked gutters caused water to seep into the loft. Insurance rejected the claim citing 'preventable maintenance issue.' They paid nothing."
2. Is It "Wear and Tear"?
Insurers are experts at spotting the difference between a one-off storm event and long-term neglect. If an assessor visits your home and sees grass or small trees growing out of your gutters, they have immediate proof that the damage was preventable.
What Assessors Look For:
- Vegetation growth in gutters
- Rust stains on exterior walls
- Water marks indicating long-term overflow
- No maintenance records
In these cases, many claims for damp, mould, or foundation damage are rejected on the spot.