Buildings Cover topics

Quick answer (TL;DR) Yes, Intelligent Insurance can usually insure properties constructed with Structural Insulated Panels. Cover excludes loss or damage caused by faulty workmanship, defective design or materials, exactly as for any other build type. Why SIPs are treated as “non-standard” Characteristic Why underwriters need more detail Timber-framed load-bearing shell Timber behaves differently from masonry in fire and flood scenarios. Integral rigid-foam insulation Integral rigid-foam insulation Off-site manufacture Quality is excellent when certified – but a small number of rogue kits exist, so we look for BBA-approved panel systems or a recognised warranty. What information you’ll be asked for Panel system & certs: Make/manufacturer, BBA or ETA approval, structural-warranty provider. Construction date or stage: Finished, under renovation or still being built? External cladding & roof type: Brick slip, render, timber, tile, metal? Any unusual foundations or ground-floor system: Raft slab, insulated slab, suspended timber, etc. Heating & ventilation: MVHR, heat pump, wood stove? (helps us gauge fire & escape-of-water risk). How cover looks once the policy is live: Scenario Buildings / Contents response Notes Fire, storm, theft, escape of water Covered up to your sums-insured, just like a masonry house Sums-insured should reflect the (often higher) specialist rebuild cost of SIPs Accidental Damage (e.g. drilling through a panel’s vapour barrier) Covered if you’ve taken the optional Accidental Damage extension Exclusion still applies for poor workmanship Gradual damp from a tiny leak inside the panel Not covered – regarded as gradual deterioration Prompt leak detection is critical in airtight builds. Major alteration / extension using SIPs Treats the home as “under renovation” until signed off; some perils may be limited (e.g. theft/malicious) Tell us before work starts so we can keep cover seamless. Tips for smoother quoting & claims: Keep your warranty & completion certificate handy. Review your Buildings sum-insured – SIP rebuilds can cost 15–25 % more than equivalent brick/block. Install leak-detection sensors in wet rooms and plant areas. Maintain the cladding – intact external skin prevents UV and moisture damage to the panels.

Quick answer (TL;DR) Yes, if the charger is permanently installed (hard-wired and fixed to a wall or post at your home) it is treated as a fixture or fitting and is therefore covered under the Buildings section of your policy. No, if it’s a portable “granny” cable/plug-in unit that simply sits in the boot, it’s regarded as a vehicle accessory and isn’t covered. Why a fixed wallbox is covered Our policy defines Buildings as “the structure of the home … as well as fixtures and fittings … permanently fixed solar panels, … permanent hot tubs, Jacuzzis or spas.” A hard-wired EV wall-charger is a permanent electrical fixture in exactly the same way as those examples, so damage caused by any insured peril (fire, storm, escape of water, malicious damage, the-ft, etc.) is covered up to your Buildings sum-insured limit. If you have chosen the optional Accidental Damage extension for Buildings, one-off mishaps (e.g. reversing into the charger) are also insured. When the charger isn’t covered Our policy excludes “mechanically or electrically-propelled vehicles … and the parts, spares and accessories of any of these” from Contents cover. A loose, plug-in lead or portable charger counts as an accessory of the car, so it falls under that exclusion. Damage that arises from poor installation, wear-and-tear or faulty workmanship is not insured. Tip: Include the cost of your charger (and its installation) when calculating the full rebuilding cost of your Buildings sum insured, so you’re never under-insured.

Yes, you must notify us if you install solar panels on your roof. Policy Reference: “You must inform us if there are any changes to your circumstances or the information you have previously provided. This includes any alterations, renovations, extensions or structural changes to the buildings.” See: Policy Booklet, General Conditions – Your duties Explanation: Installing solar panels counts as a structural change to the building. Failing to tell us could invalidate a future claim. Next Steps: Contact us before or immediately after installation. Provide details such as the panel type, where they will be fitted, and confirmation that the work is professionally carried out and connected to the main building.

Yes, solar panels are covered under the insurance policy if they are permanently installed at the home. Conditions: Only covered under buildings cover, and not included in contents insurance. Must be permanently installed. Temporary or portable panels are not covered. Damage must be caused by an insured event (e.g. storm, fire, theft) as defined in the Buildings section of the policy booklet.

Yes you do. Although Intelligent Insurance policies provide cover up to £1,000,000 for buildings (so you never have to worry about being under insured), the premium is rated based on the re-build value of your property. You can use the ABI’s rebuild calculator or get a more accurate calculation by using a surveyor.

Endorsement Significance An endorsement serves to articulate specific terms, requirements, or limitations to your insurance coverage. It provides clarity on areas where the insurer may wish to restrict or define coverage. Limiting Factors Endorsements are in place to address specific concerns or risks. Insurers may choose not to offer coverage or may wish to set specific conditions, reflecting their risk assessment. No General Option In most cases, paying an additional premium does not enable the removal of endorsements. Endorsements are integral to policy terms and conditions, reflecting the insurer’s underwriting decisions. Flood Exclusion Exception The only potential exception relates to the flood exclusion endorsement. If you have a flood exclusion and seek to add this cover, reaching out to our team allows exploration of options. We may assess eligibility for coverage through Flood Re, possibly resulting in a revised premium.

Understanding the distinction between excess and voluntary excess is essential for navigating your home insurance policy: Excess Defined An excess is the amount you must contribute towards a claim before your insurer covers the remaining costs. It consists of both compulsory and voluntary components. Compulsory Excess This is the mandatory amount set by your insurer, automatically applied to every claim. It is non-negotiable and forms part of the total excess. Voluntary Excess Unlike compulsory excess, this is an optional amount you can choose to pay voluntarily in addition to the compulsory excess. Opting for a higher voluntary excess may lower your premium but increases your upfront contribution in a claim. Combined Impact In the event of a claim, both compulsory and voluntary excess amounts are combined. For example, if the compulsory excess is £200 and you choose a voluntary excess of £100, you would pay a total excess of £300. Premium Considerations Selecting a higher voluntary excess might lead to a reduced premium, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential savings against your ability to cover the higher excess during a claim.

Your policy excesses (the amount you pay when making a claim) are detailed in your: Quote documentation Policy schedule in My Account Different insurers have different excess structures, so always check your specific policy documents for the exact amounts that apply to you.

This depends on your insurer and type of claim. Your claims handler will: Explain when the excess needs to be paid Guide you through the payment process Provide specific details for your situation Remember: Claims are handled directly by your insurer, not by Intelligent Insurance. You can: Find your insurer details in your policy schedule Check our Claims & Emergency Helplines page View your policy excess amounts in your policy documents

Navigating the possibility of buying contents insurance without buildings insurance offers flexibility. Independent Policies You can purchase contents insurance independently, especially if you don’t own the property or have separate renewal timelines for contents and buildings policies. Combined Savings While it’s recommended to bundle both policies for potential discounts, it’s not mandatory. Purchasing separately is a viable option based on your unique circumstances. Timing Considerations Evaluate the timings of your contents and buildings policies. If they don’t align or you don’t own the property, purchasing them independently can be a practical choice. Summary Understanding the flexibility in acquiring individual policies empowers you to make choices that align with your specific needs. Intelligent Insurance provides adaptable solutions for comprehensive coverage tailored to your situation.

Understanding the difference between home insurance and contents insurance is vital. Home Insurance Defined Encompasses both buildings and contents insurance. A comprehensive package safeguarding your property’s structure and its internal belongings. Contents Insurance Focus Specifically covers the belongings within your home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items. Summary Deciphering these distinctions ensures clarity when choosing the right insurance coverage for your needs. Intelligent Insurance provides tailored solutions for both aspects, offering a comprehensive approach to protect your home and its contents.

Deciding what items to include in your contents insurance is crucial for accurate coverage. Consider the following guidelines: Comprehensive Definition Think of contents as everything you’d take when moving house, including carpets, curtains, and white goods like washing machines and dishwashers. Thorough Inventory Conduct a thorough assessment of your home, exploring rooms, garage, shed, and loft. Calculate the replacement cost for each item as if they were brand new. Inclusive Categories Include a diverse range of items such as furniture, jewellery, electronics, clothing, and more. This ensures a comprehensive representation of your belongings. Summary Accurate estimation is crucial. Underestimating the value of your contents might result in a lower payout during a claim. Take the time to assess and calculate replacement costs diligently. Understanding the breadth of what should be included in your contents insurance ensures that your policy reflects the true value of your possessions, providing adequate coverage for various scenarios. Intelligent Insurance encourages a meticulous approach to ensure your peace of mind in the event of a claim.