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Make sure your insurance covers the hidden damage caused by trees

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As the height of summer approaches, a specialist insurer is urging landlords to check their buildings insurance gives them all the protection they need – particularly in relation to trees and the damage they can cause.

Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4LetProperty, explains: “There is nothing like sitting under shady tree during the summer and enjoying the fresh air. However, property owners need to be aware of the damage that trees and their roots can cause – often right under their nose without them realising it.

“While you may not have full control over the damage that trees and shrubs near to properties can cause until it is fairly evident – as much of the damage goes on underground for a while before you see outward signs such as subsidence or damage to drains - you can protect yourself financially by ensuring you have relevant insurance cover.”

He adds that damage caused by trees during summer storms should also be taken in to consideration. Mr. Burgess shares these tips:

  • check you have subsidence cover as part of your policy. You may be surprised to learn that not all buildings insurance policies cover subsidence as standard;
  • check you have accidental damage cover to drains – this will cover the repair of any damage caused by tree roots to drains;
  • while all buildings insurance policies typically cover damage to properties caused by a tree (such as smashed windows or where a tree falls on to a property), damage to fences may not be always be covered.

Mr. Burgess adds: “Landlords and homeowners alike should check that their buildings insurance gives them all the protection they need. Repairs for drain damage and subsidence can easily run in to thousands of pounds - something you will have to pay for yourself unless you have adequate insurance.”

Ends

Contact:

Richard Burgess, MCIM, Director at Cover4LetProperty, telephone: 0845 863 9558 or email: richardb@alanblunden.co.uk

About Cover4LetProperty:

With roots going back to 1946, our clients can benefit from 68 years’ of experience in the landlord insurance marketplace. We are award-winning independent intermediaries and act on behalf of our clients in arranging their buy to let and unoccupied property insurances. Our service includes advising clients on their insurance needs, arranging insurance cover with insurers to meet those requirements and help with any ongoing changes that have to be made to their landlords insurance policies.

In 2011 we were proud to beat off some stiff competition for the award for Best Landlord Insurer in the prestigious The Money Awards.

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Richard Burgess landlords insurance cover4letproperty

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Quick facts

While buildings insurance policies cover damage to properties caused by a tree (such as smashed windows or where a tree falls on to a property), damage to fences may not be always be covered
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Check you have accidental damage cover to drains – this will cover the repair of any damage caused by tree roots to drains
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Quotes

Property owners need to be aware of the damage that trees and their roots can cause – often right under their nose without them realising it
Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4LetProperty
Check you have subsidence cover as part of your policy. You may be surprised to learn that not all buildings insurance policies cover subsidence as standard
Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4LetProperty
Property owners should check that their buildings insurance gives them all the protection they need. Repairs for drain damage and subsidence can easily run in to thousands of pounds - something you will have to pay for yourself unless you have adequate insurance
Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4LetProperty