Does Building Insurance Cover Flooring?
When buildings insurance covers flooring damage, when it doesn't, and what to do if a claim is rejected.
- What types of flooring does buildings insurance usually cover
- When is flooring damage covered by building insurance
- When is flooring damage not covered
- Building insurance or contents insurance: which covers flooring
- What about accidental damage to flooring
- What should you do if your flooring claim is rejected
- Before we go
- Building insurance and flooring faqs
Whether building insurance covers your flooring depends on three things: the type of flooring, what caused the damage, and what your policy includes. The short answer is that fitted flooring is usually covered for damage caused by an insured event, but not for wear and tear or gradual deterioration. Here’s a clear breakdown.
At a glance
- Fitted flooring such as tiles, hardwood, and laminate is generally covered under building insurance as part of the structure.
- Loose carpets and rugs are not covered by building insurance. They fall under contents insurance.
- Damage must be caused by an insured event, such as a burst pipe, fire, or flood, to be covered.
- Wear and tear, gradual damage, and poor maintenance are excluded.
- Accidental damage cover is an optional add-on and not included in a standard buildings policy.
What types of flooring does buildings insurance usually cover?
Building insurance covers the permanent structure of your home, including fixtures that are fixed in place. When it comes to flooring, the key question is whether it’s attached to the building.
| Flooring type | Covered under | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted tiles | Building insurance | Covered for insured events |
| Hardwood or laminate (fitted) | Building insurance | Covered for insured events |
| Underfloor heating | Building insurance | Check policy wording to confirm |
| Fitted carpet | Building insurance | Usually covered as a permanent fixture |
| Loose carpet or rugs | Contents insurance | Not fixed to the structure |
If you have both fitted and loose flooring damaged in the same event, you may need to file separate claims under your building and contents policies. If you’re unsure how a specific type of flooring is categorised, check your policy wording or contact your insurer directly.
When is flooring damage covered by building insurance?
Building insurance covers flooring damage caused by a named insured event. Common examples include:
- Burst or leaking pipes: Water damage to fitted flooring from a plumbing failure is typically covered. Our guide on escape of water covers how these claims work.
- Fire: Damage from smoke or flames to fitted flooring is usually included.
- Storm or flood damage: Flooding caused by storms or rising water levels that damages flooring is generally covered.
- Subsidence: Structural movement that causes floor damage may be covered.
- Vandalism: Intentional damage by a third party is typically included as a named peril.
For any of these, your claim will depend on meeting your insurer’s conditions, including reporting the damage promptly and having maintained the property properly before the incident.
When is flooring damage not covered?
Several common scenarios are excluded from standard building insurance:
- Wear and tear: Gradual deterioration through normal use is not an insured event. Scratched hardwood or faded tiles that have worn over time won’t be covered.
- Poor maintenance: If a slow leak was left unaddressed and caused the floor to warp or rot, your insurer may decline the claim on the basis that reasonable maintenance wasn’t carried out.
- Gradual damage: Issues that develop slowly, such as mould growing under flooring over time, are typically excluded.
- Poor installation: If the damage stems from flooring that was incorrectly fitted, insurers are unlikely to pay out.
- Unoccupied properties: Damage occurring while the property was empty for an extended period may not be covered.
Building insurance or contents insurance: which covers flooring?
The distinction is straightforward in most cases. If the flooring is fitted and fixed to the structure, it falls under buildings insurance. If it’s loose or removable, it falls under contents insurance.
| Scenario | Policy to use |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe damages fitted laminate | Building insurance |
| Fire damages fitted tiles | Building insurance |
| Water damage to a loose rug | Contents insurance |
| Fitted carpet damaged by flooding | Building insurance |
| Removable carpet tiles damaged | Contents insurance |
If you’re unsure which policy applies to a specific item, check the policy wording or contact your insurer before making a claim.
What about accidental damage to flooring?
Accidental damage cover is not included in a standard building insurance policy. It’s an optional add-on that covers sudden, unexpected incidents that aren’t caused by a named peril, such as dropping something heavy on a tiled floor or spilling paint on hardwood.
Without accidental damage cover, incidents of this type won’t be covered regardless of how the damage occurred. With Lemonade’s building insurance, accidental damage cover is available as an add-on.
When choosing accidental damage cover, check whether it applies to all flooring types or whether certain finishes are excluded.
What should you do if your flooring claim is rejected?
Had your claim denied? Don’t panic. There are steps you can take:
- Check the policy wording: Ensure you understand why the claim was rejected and whether the reasoning aligns with the terms of your cover.
- Contact the insurer: If something feels off, ask for clarification or escalate the issue within the company.
- Complain formally: If you’re still not satisfied, you can file a complaint with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- Prevent future issues: Regular home maintenance and reviewing your cover can save you hassle down the line.
Rejecting a flooring claim can feel frustrating, but understanding the insurer’s perspective and ensuring your policy is tailored to your needs can make all the difference.
Before we go
Building insurance covers fitted flooring for damage caused by insured events, but not for wear and tear, gradual damage, or accidental incidents without the right add-on. Check your policy carefully, make sure you understand what’s included, and consider adding accidental damage cover if you want broader protection for your floors.
With Lemonade’s building insurance, you’re covered for insured events from day one.
Building insurance and flooring FAQs
Does laminate flooring count as part of the building?
Yes, fitted laminate flooring is generally treated as part of the building’s structure and covered under buildings insurance for damage caused by an insured event. Loose laminate panels that aren’t fixed in place may fall under contents insurance instead. Check your policy wording to confirm how your specific flooring is categorised.
Can I claim for flooring damage caused by a leaking pipe?
Yes, in most cases. Water damage to fitted flooring from a burst or leaking pipe is a named insured event under most standard buildings policies. The damage must be sudden and accidental rather than the result of a slow leak that was left unaddressed.
What if my insurer says my flooring claim is wear and tear?
Ask your insurer to explain in writing exactly why they’ve categorised it as wear and tear rather than an insured event. If you believe the decision is wrong, provide evidence to support your position, such as photos showing the damage was sudden rather than gradual. If the dispute isn’t resolved, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service for a free independent review.
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