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Most mortgage lenders require you to have at least buildings
insurance, but the chances are you will want full home insurance
including contents insurance. However, you may not be aware that if you
fail to maintain your home properly then you run the risk of
invalidating your policy leaving you to foot the bill for any damage.
There are some simple steps you can take to look
after your home to prevent problems from happening in the first place.
These will help you to comply with the terms of your home insurance
policy, and to avoid the hassle of any damage to your property and
having to then make a claim.
Avoid dampness caused by water seeping into walls by
checking that gutters are not blocked up by leaves and debris. The damp
course should be checked to make sure it is not clogged, as this can
also lead to dampness which can be troublesome and expensive to repair.
Regularly check the roof for damaged or missing
tiles. Faults in your roof tiles could not only allow the rain to leak
in, but could also fall or blow off the roof and cause injuries to
people or damage to cars below. Have your chimney checked for blockages
to prevent chimney fires and dampness where materials have built up
trapping moisture against your walls.
Check over the exterior paintwork on your house. This
protects your walls
and wooden window frames from the elements, and it
is much quicker and cheaper to repair if you catch it early before any
water can get in and cause damage.
You should be aware that any trees near your property
can cause a lot of damage, for example if the roots get into your
foundations. Look for any damaged or rotten branches that could blow
down in high winds and cause injury or damage your home. If an
unhealthy tree comes down in a storm, and your insurer considers that
you should have had the tree cut down or otherwise treated, your
insurer may refuse to pay you for the cost of any repairs. Remember
that it is your responsibility to keep any trees on your property well
maintained. If you have concerns about your neighbours trees then talk
to them because they could be liable for damage to your home.
Within the house, replace any worn or damaged
electrical cables, and fit smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These
are all inexpensive things to do that could save you a lot of time,
trouble and expense in the long run.
Finally, remember to advise your insurance company of
any major improvements you make to your home, such as an extension. If
these are damaged and your insurers were not informed of the changes,
your policy may not include the costs of rebuilding or repairing the
improved aspects of your home.
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