‘Wear and Tear’ – Avoid being off-side with your insurer.

The rules of the (insurance) game: what does ‘Wear & Tear’ mean?

A ‘wear and tear’ exclusion is a provision put in place by your insurance company to state that your insurance policy does not cover gradual degeneration of your belongings, or components of your house, from everyday use.

It’s not a trick shot

We all know that everything within our homes will deteriorate over time, be it from frequent use or because the material itself has a natural shelf-life. If insurers had to pay for everyone’s personal possessions once they were past their prime, the premiums would be sky-high. Red card!

Minimise ‘Wear and Tear’ and have the home advantage.

• Start at the top and regularly look at your roof. Had a storm recently? Be sure to check if any of your tiles are missing or out of place.
• Are your gutters overflowing during heavy rain? If so this can cause water damage to your walls. Investing in gutter guards will reduce the number of leaves which can cause potential blockages.
• Do you have a flat roof? The lifespan of asphalt is approximately 10 years so be sure to re-new once signs of age are present.
• Are the windows in your heritage home wooden? Peeling paint and loose crumbling putty can cause the timber to swell giving water and moisture the perfect access point for damp.
• Is your home thatched? It’s always advisable to get your roof checked by a professional thatcher every 2-3years. Birds and vermin are renowned for damaging the outer thatching reeds.
• Look at the trees that are overhanging or close to your property. It can be advantageous to cut limbs which could pose a threat to your home.
• In winter it is always advisable to check that exposed pipework is well lagged. Be sure to close off outside water supplies during really cold snaps to avoid burst pipes.
• Boilers, chimneys and oil-fired ovens should all be regularly serviced.

To avoid wear and tear having an impact on your property, it’s important to keep everything in good working order. Your insurer isn’t the opponent! By working together with our team, Lloyd & Whyte are pleased to answer any further queries which you may have about the Wear & Tear exclusions in your policy ensuring a good match.