01296 397000 24hrs

enquiries@estsonline.co.uk

Sewage & wastewater treatment and management

Are you covered?

Despite the fact that a lot of people we come into contact with are unaware of it, most buildings insurance policies cover non-mains drainage systems, which include domestic sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, cesspits and soakaways.

The cover normally comes under “accidental damage” and is sometimes specifically itemised as “accidental damage to underground services”. Some insurers offer this cover as an option that you need to pay an additional premium for, but in many cases, it is part of the standard cover. If there is no additional option and the policy does not specifically exclude off mains drainage, septic tanks or other underground services, then you are likely to be covered.

If you are unsure about whether or not you are covered, feel free to ask us. Alternatively, you can call your insurer yourself, but you should be aware that, presented in the wrong way, the call handler may tell you that you aren’t covered when in fact you are. 

The key thing is whether the cause of the problem comes under accidental damage. It is surprising how many things do, including:

  • Damage caused by tree roots 
  • Damage caused by water, including changes in the water table
  • Damage caused by vehicles 
  • Damage caused by ground movement

The nature of the damage could vary from split and leaking tanks, to tanks that have “popped” out of the ground or tanks that have damaged parts such as pipes or baffles, but any of the above causes are likely to be covered under accidental damage.

Things that are unlikely to be covered are:

  • Deterioration due to natural wear and tear (age)
  • Failure to service and maintain the system properly (including regular emptying)
  • Faulty workmanship or incorrect installation
  • Damage caused before you bought the property

Hopefully, this will give you a better idea of whether or not you are insured, however, if you would like a completely free onsite inspection, at which we will assess the damage and give an objective view on the likelihood of a successful insurance claim, please call us on 01296 397000.

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