In our current unseasonal dry season, and with increasing concern about insurance issues, it has been pointed out to us that we may not think about trees in relation to our buildings insurance. Trees are a potential factor in subsidence but also failure to disclose ‘relevant’ information even if not relevant to a specific claim can invalidate your policy.
Thank you to Terry P for the following information, about the potential impact of trees on insurance:
Just recently I have been renewing insurance policies for buildings in my ownership, and these days I have a little more time to study the ins and outs of all the excess paperwork the insurance companies send with your renewal notice. One thing to look out for, is when you accept their terms, conditions and quote you will also be accepting their PROPERTY OWNERS’ STATEMENT OF FACT which has more than one or two exclusions in there. One thing I picked up on, is the distance of mature trees from a building that are likely to cause Heave or Subsidence, the insurance companies use a table more commonly used by Architects and Surveyors to deal with trees that are to close to a building. We all know how insurance companies find any excuse not to pay out on a claim if everything is not in order.
The Association of British Insurers‘ tree table data can be viewed on-line at the Tree Trust for Harringey website by clicking here (Trees safe distances), and also you can download their advice on issues relating to subsidence by clicking here.
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