Clients may be under the misconception that their insurance policy will protect their property against any and every eventuality. As a professional within the industry, you know that this is simply not true, and it is important to remind your clients to practice proper maintenance on their insured properties.

As insurance is a game of statistics, you should be able to estimate how often a loss might occur and how severe that loss might be. This due to chance is especially important when advising clients on insurance on buildings and property, as insurers only honour claims for loss events brought about through accidental means.

When it comes to building insurance, this means that clients are under an obligation to maintain their properties and keep them in good repair. Any claims for damage that could have been prevented through proper maintenance will not be covered by an insurance policy.

A good example is water damage and flooding caused during a storm. If your client’s property suffers damage during a particularly intense and specific rainstorm, like internal damage due to a leaking roof, it may well be covered under their policy. However, if it is found that the owner had neglected to maintain the waterproofing of the roof, the policy will not be honoured.

The most common factors in cases like these are blocked gutters, brittle flashing, worn malthoid underlay and thinning thatch. Here are some top tips to share with your clients to ensure that they keep on top of their maintenance – and their responsibilities to their policies:

• The bandage or membrane applied to the join between a roof and the external walls of a building is called flashing. Flashing is prone to becoming brittle and porous as it is often exposed to the elements. This can cause gradual water damage or rising damp. Flashing should be repainted or reapplied on an annual basis.
• The malthoid underlay found on many slate roofs can allow water penetration if it is not replaced when necessary. These should be inspected yearly to check if they still provide sufficient protection.
• Thatch roofs are prone to damage and should be inspected regularly. It is generally accepted that thatch roofs should be restored every five years – and at even shorter intervals if located along the coast.
• The screws and fasteners on IBR- and other iron roofs loosen over time. These should also be checked annually and repaired and sealed as necessary.

Aside from sharing these important maintenance tips with your clients, remind them that not every risk can be insured. Assist them to review their budgets and to ensure that they have sufficient reserve funds available to cover unforeseen costs, uninsured risks, future maintenance and repairs to their buildings.

Contact us to discuss the insurance options you can offer your clients on their properties.

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