NLIC.org

Marion Said:

Home insurance in the UK? how does it work?

We Answered:

You will require home contents insurance as you do not own your building and therefore have no insurable interest in it. Typically this comes with liability as an occupier and personal liability towards others for members of your household, money and cover for certain possession outside the home. The cover can be "standard" fire flood, water damage, vandalism theft / burglary etc and then "Accidental Damage cover. Many policies include this accidental damage on certain items such as TVs computes etc in the standard package. In addition you will have some form of cover for alternative accommodation should your home become unoccupiable due to insured peril.
The premium is calculate by applying a rate to the sum insured. Eg £30,000 contents are charged at £x premium per £1000 contents. This rate is based on the postcode of the flat. Central London is expensive.
I hope this assists.

xxR

Glenda Said:

How does this premise liability work out?

We Answered:

It depends on his policy. If the injured person is suing over your friends coverage amount, he hopefully has an additional umbrella policy. If not then your friend has to pay the difference from what his insurance company pays and what the injured party is asking for. You may have some way out, such as was the injured person carrying something or doing something which may have contributed to their injury? Did the injured person know the pipe was sticking out before this accident? I would suggest looking at the facts of the incident closely. There may be some facts that were overlooked. If there are some "mitigating" circumstances your friends insurer could negotiate to settle for the limit on the policy. If there are then your friend should agressively insist that the insurance company do all it can to settle. Finally, this should be a lesson learned for your friend. Insurance is relatively inexpensive. That is one thing you don't want to skimp on. I just bought 2 policies and have more than enough coverage. Now I have peace of mind. Good luck to your friend.

Laura Said:

question about building insurance?

We Answered:

The owner has building insurance and you should have something like contents or similar.

Victor Said:

does build ins cover cracks in 2nd floor brickwork which is effecting the windows?What do I say in the claim?

We Answered:

Do you mean, does your home owner's insurance cover cracks in the exterior bricks?

I'd say no, it doesn't. Insurance generally covers damage done by storms, fire, etc, not faulty construction or pre-existing faults. But I am not an expert.

When you say that the insurance company was not helpful, what do you mean? Did they just hem and haw and stall you, or did they say "you're not covered"? If the latter, then that's your answer.