Q I have a couple of questions on the condition of buildings, etc. If I've had a previous subsidence claim, can I still purchase subsidence cover on my buildings? And can you tell me do I have to have my fixed wiring inspected within my premises to keep my policy valid. If this is the case, how often should I do so – would it be annually?
Andrew Sildstern, via printweek.com
A As a result of this question, I have at least learnt that it's pronounced subSIGHdence as opposed to subSEEdence. Right, here goes... Naturally, my first call was to the experts at PrintWeek Insurance. Director Peter Foster tells me that, yes, you can still get insurance after a subsidence claim, but there are a couple of key caveats. First, you will need an acceptable structural survey report (i.e. carried out by someone who is approved by the insurer), demonstrating that the issues have been remedied properly. Secondly, sometimes the policy will then be subject to an increased excess for any subsequent subsidence claim. Your fixed wiring question is an interesting one because this isn't as simple as it might appear. Apparently, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends fixed wiring is checked every three or five years, depending upon the type of premises. The onus is on you to seek definitive advice from the HSE about your building(s). If you don't have the wiring inspected within the recommended HSE period, then things could get problematic in the event of a claim. Failing to have it inspected would be a breach of warranty under almost every commercial policy, so you really must be sure to have your fixed wiring inspected on the dot. If you don't, it could result in a claim - especially a fire claim - being repudiated. And that would be bad. As Peter points out, it's particularly important to be on the ball with this because electrical failures are one of the most common causes of commercial fires. Having the requisite checks done can be quite an expensive task, especially for large buildings, so budget accordingly for this. For more information, Peter and his team can be contacted on 0845 519 2389. You might also want to have a look at the useful information available online at the Association of British Insurers (www.abi.org.uk), including an "advice for businesses" checklist. Thanks too to printweek.com forum members ‘Ivor Binder' and ‘Chris Lavers' for chipping in on this, although Chris's suggestion to "knock it all down and use the rubble to fill in any subsidence voids" may be a tad OTT! Best advice of all: always read the small print.
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