Wiltshire Council Housing Leaseholders Handbook

2. Insurance

We take out comprehensive buildings insurance for every leaseholder. Buildings insurance covers only the structure, common parts of the house or block and permanent fixtures inside the property (e.g. bathroom suite). The contents of your home such as your furniture and other personal possessions are not covered by buildings insurance and you are strongly advised to take out your own contents insurance policy.

If your property is going to be empty for 30 consecutive days you must inform us in writing. Failure to let us know may affect claims made for any damage which occurred whilst the property was empty.

Building insurance

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

Fire
Explosion
Aircraft
Subsidence, including landslip and heave
Earthquake
Deliberate damage (not graffiti)
Storm
Burst pipes and tanks
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.

Making a claim

If there is damage to a part of the building which is our responsibility to maintain and which 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. If the insurance company is not prepared to pay your claim, you will be responsible for paying the costs.

Should you wish to make a claim on the buildings insurance or require further information please contact the leasehold and sales team on 0300 4560117 or email HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).