Home insurance 'may not cover dodgy builders'

Posted : 16-07-2007

Damage caused to homes by "botched" building jobs may not be covered by all home insurance policies, consumers have been warned today.

According to a survey by Abbey Home Insurance, some 18 per cent of homeowners have had their property in need of repair following work by builders, with the average cost of the damage being £224.

Indeed, 48 per cent of these people found themselves having to shell out for the breakages - and Abbey is urging people to ensure they do not choose a rogue tradesman to carry out home improvements.

"Using workmen who are less that reputable may seem like the cheaper option in the first instance," said Abbey's head of insurance marketing Prasad Shastri.

"But you may not have an enforceable contract or any comebacks if the job goes wrong and that could end up costing a lot more in the long run."

In addition, owners should inform their buildings insurance provider of any larger-scale home improvements they intend to carry out, as this may mean the policy has to be updated.


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