There are two key considerations when insuring estates: the buildings, which can be a mix of flats and houses, and the communal areas.
While the buildings can be insured as a portfolio, in practice, each is likely to be independently managed and the cost of insurance will most likely be included in the service charges shared by leaseholders on a building by building basis.
Communal areas on estates, on the other hand, can add a whole new level of complexity when it comes to insurance and not all insurers offer cover which is both tailor made for residential flats and affordable. At Deacon, we have negotiated a bespoke policy which we believe meets the needs of shared facilities on estates with multiple blocks and possibly a mix if flats and houses.
Our estate management policy, which includes public liability insurance, provides cover for communal facilities, which may simply be private roads but can also extend to electric gates, street lighting and even communal play areas, swimming pools and gyms. Each policy is individually written to suit the estate in question.
Leases should tell each resident what is considered the ‘Communal Estate’ and the extent of their and the freeholder or management company’s responsibilities to maintain and insure it, with costs ultimately shared by leaseholders.
Get a copy of our free guide to estate management insurance HERE.
FP880-2022
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Deacon accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.