Is it covered?

I once remember getting a call from a landlord who wanted to know if he was covered!

He was asking if he could claim for a new boiler because his wasn’t working any more. I asked why it wasn’t working and it transpired that it was simply old and had worn out.

I then had to explain that all insurance policies were designed to respond to defined “perils” such as Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Storm, Theft, Malicious Damage and that these events had to happen on an identifiable date.

What they are not designed to do is replace routine maintenance, or simply pay for things which have reached the end of their natural life.

Its why all policies covering damage to property always have a condition excluding damage resulting from any gradual cause, including deterioration, wear and tear.

This includes mildew, fungus, climatic or atmospheric conditions, frost, wet or dry rot.

An exclusion also exists for vermin, insects, chewing, scratching or tearing, or fouling by pets.

There are other exclusions routinely applied and in the contents section of your policy, look for “Exclusions that apply to the whole of your policy” or a similar wording.

Most of these are common sense applied to things which ae never meant to be covered, or in some circumstances where compensation would come under law, or from the government, such as sonic booms, war, or nuclear explosions.

If you’d like to know more about the detail of your policy wording, and what is and is not covered, in any particular circumstance, I’d relish the challenge!

I don’t think there is a question I can’t answer, so have a go!