Building Insurance

Thanet District Council takes out comprehensive building insurance for every leaseholder.  However, building insurance only covers the structure and common parts of the house or block. It does not cover the contents of your home such as your furniture and other personal possessions.  For these you need to take out your own home contents insurance policy.

Building insurance covers damage caused to the building by any of the following:

• Fire
• Explosion
• Aircraft
• Subsidence
• Earthquake
• Deliberate damage (not graffiti)
• Storm
• Burst pipes and tanks (up to the stop cock)
• Riot or civil disturbance
• Theft damage
• Flood
• Falling TV aerials
• Lightning
• Accidental damage (certain items only)
• Falling trees or branches
• Impact (for example, a car running into the building)

In the case of deliberate or theft damage, you should report the matter to the Police immediately and get a crime reference number.

If you make any improvements to your property (for example, double glazing, fitted kitchen, bathroom suite, and so on) you should let our insurance services section know immediately so that we can increase the sum insured for your flat and the property services department to seek approval for your proposed changes.

Making a claim

If there is damage to a part of the building, which is our responsibility to maintain and is covered by our own insurance, we will make a claim.

You must make a claim on the building insurance only if part of the building you are responsible for maintaining is also damaged or if the cause is not covered on our own policy, for example, vandalism. If the insurance company is not prepared to pay your claim, you will be responsible for paying the costs.

Your first point of call should be the Technical Support Officer, Landlord Services on 01843 577027 who will assist you in making a claim.

Leasehold Management Team

E-mail:

housing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577268

Fax: 01843 577340