If a pipe bursts in the middle of the night in a block of flats, it’s likely that an anxious lessee will call his or her managing agent first. But the managing agent may not have immediate access to their files. Meanwhile, the water keeps gushing, causing more and more damage. Lessees are frustrated and distressed. Managing agents have to take stressful calls at antisocial hours, which they may not be fully equipped to deal with.
Very often, the broker or insurer doesn’t hear anything about the burst pipe until they receive a claim for the resulting damage. That means the single biggest factor driving the cost of that claim – the length of time that the water is gushing – is completely out of their control.
That’s why there is a need for a new service to bring managing agents back in control of emergency repairs
By swiftly responding to emergencies, whether they’re insured or not to help mitigate losses at the earliest possible opportunity. Here is a case study of how it can work in practice. There had been a break in the mains inlet pipe in the flat above and water was discovered flowing through the ceiling one evening. The lessee in the flat below didn’t know where to find the stopcock so he called the out of hours emergency service arranged by his managing agent. Within two hours, a plumber was on site to trace and repair the damaged pipe and stop the flow of water. As a result, the total cost of the damage was limited to £750. If the water had carried on flowing for another two hours, the ceiling would have collapsed. Replacing it and redecorating the kitchen would have cost £2,750.
After eight hours, kitchen units would need to be completely replaced. The flat would become uninhabitable, adding loss of rent and the expense of alternative accommodation to the bill. The water would also have penetrated the next flat below. By now, the cost would be £22,750.
If you have an unexpected home emergency such as a burst pipe or boiler breakdown, you’ll want to put things right as quickly as possible to protect your property from further damage and make your home safe and comfortable to live in. It’s not always easy to find a reputable contractor at short notice, and even if you do, it can be expensive.
For only *£36 per flat per annum we can keep your block safe and sound. For more information or to arrange cover simply call Residentsline on 0800 281 235.
Our Home Emergency policy provides you with a low-cost solution, ensuring help is always available when you need it most. With one call to LPG, an approved contractor will come to your home and make emergency repairs.
Our cover includes all of the following domestic emergencies:
- The complete breakdown of your heating system
- Plumbing and drainage problems
- Damage which affects your security including locks and windows
- If your only toilet is broken
- Loss of your power supply
- Lost keys
- Vermin infestation
- Roof damage
In addition, LPG provide alternative overnight accommodation if your home is unsafe or uncomfortable to stay in.
What LPG cover:
- Contractor’s call-out fee
- Labour costs
- Parts and repair materials
- Cost of alternative accommodation (up to £250)
- We pay up to £500 per claim in total
Our service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and, for additional peace of mind, all our permanent repairs are guaranteed for 12 months.
To view the Policy Wording, click here.
To view the Product Information Document, click here.
For more information, please call 0800 281 235 or email [email protected].
*All flats in the block must be included in the policy. To calculate your price simply multiply the number of units in your block by £36.00.
