Guttering Damaged by Snow

[super7star]

Hi I wonder if someone coulod help. My guttering is barely attached to the house due to the weight of the snow which has accumulated and looks like it may come off (if it doesn't it is badly damaged). I cannot get hold of NIG to check my policy, they don't work on a weekend . Does anyone know if I am likely to be covered (I also have accidental for building and content)? I'm wondering whether I should contact a roofer and if I can claim back from NIG.

 

Many thanks

Emma

[unclebulgaria67]

You might struggle with a claim on this. Some Insurers will stick by what they consider the definition of a storm to be, which usually include high winds as well.

 

Any pictures showing the weight of snow might help you.

 

If you have the accidental damage extension on your Buildings Insurance, some Insurers will pay out under that extension, as storm damage may not be relevant.

 

You need to consider the excess under your policy and future premium increases. Mosts types of guttering is fairly cheap and easy to put up, so you might find it is not worth claiming.

[super7star]

Thanks for the reply, the whole guttering on the front of the house came down with a bang bringing my tv cable with it. You're right about the excess and I'll get a quote to fix it and see if its worth claiming or not. Camera came out and I've taken pictures of neighboring houses plus the side of my house where its still accumulated.

 

Pray for no more snow

[maroondevo52]

Hi,

 

I also think you will toil with a claim on this one, though you never know.

Seen a lot of similar things round my neck of the woods.

 

A real pain for a lot of folk I would think.

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Regards.

 

Scott.

[Mwynci]

Weight of snow is tricky, some underwriters will allow it no problem, and some won't.

Lot's allowed it for the snow falls of early this year as it was a 1 in 30 years that we have had this type of snowfall. Now lightning has struck twice, the opinion may change.

Is this caused by a singular storm, or a steady build up?

Lots will depend on the age of your guttering.

I honestly don't know the answer, sorry for that.

[Wulfyn]

I agree with Mwynci that it will be very much up to interpretation. I think if it was damaged by a single snow fall then your chances are quite high as the insurance would cover for an event. If there was a snowfall, a break in which the guttering was not damaged but was full of snow, and then another snowfall that caused the damage then you would not be successful as they would claim it was your responsibility to clear the previous snow away, and treat this as a build up rather than an event.

 

Also what is the cost of repairing your guttering? If it is just labour and can be done cheaply it may not be worth making a claim because you would lose your NCB.