Does Building Insurance Cover Kitchens and Bathrooms?
Find out when buildings insurance covers your kitchen and bathroom, and where you might need additional protection.
Building insurance can cover kitchens and bathrooms, but only the parts that are permanently fitted and fixed to the structure of your home. Freestanding appliances, movable furniture, and damage caused by poor maintenance or dodgy DIY? That’s a different story. Here’s what you need to know.
At a glance
- Building insurance typically covers permanently fitted elements of kitchens and bathrooms, like built-in cabinets, sinks, worktops, and bathtubs.
- Freestanding appliances and movable items aren’t covered under building insurance. That’s what contents insurance is for.
- Damage from insured events, including fire, flooding, and storms are covered as standard with Lemonade. Wear and tear and lack of maintenance are excluded.
- If you’ve recently renovated, let your insurer know. Failing to update your policy could leave you underinsured.
When does building insurance cover kitchens and bathrooms?
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most used rooms in your home, and when something goes wrong in either of them, the costs can add up quickly. Whether building insurance picks up the bill depends on what’s been damaged and why.
Building insurance, which forms part of most comprehensive home insurance policies, is designed to cover the permanent, fixed structure of your property. That includes walls, floors, roofs, and any fixtures that are built in and couldn’t simply be packed up and taken with you.
So if a burst pipe causes water damage to your fitted kitchen cabinets, or a fire damages your bathroom tiles and suite, your building insurance should cover the repairs. But if your freestanding washing machine is ruined in the same flood? You’d need contents insurance for that.
What types of damage are covered?
The key question is always whether the damage was caused by a sudden, unexpected insured event. Here’s a closer look.
Burst pipes and water damage
A burst pipe that damages fitted kitchen units, worktops, or bathroom fixtures is one of the most common kitchen and bathroom claims. Most building insurance policies will cover this, provided the damage was sudden and not the result of a slow leak you were aware of and ignored. Document the damage thoroughly and contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Fire damage
If a fire damages your fitted kitchen or bathroom, building insurance will typically cover the cost of repairs or replacement of permanent fixtures. Insurers will want evidence of the cause, so keep records and get a professional assessment done quickly.
Storm damage
Severe weather that causes structural damage affecting your kitchen or bathroom, such as a roof collapse or broken windows, is generally covered. You’ll need to demonstrate a clear link between the storm and the damage, so photographs and professional reports are important.
Flooding
Flooding is a listed peril with Lemonade, which means sudden flood damage to permanently fitted kitchen and bathroom elements is covered as standard. If floodwater damages your built-in units, bathroom suite, or tiled flooring, you’re covered. No add-ons needed.
Accidental damage
Accidental damage cover isn’t always included as standard and is often an add-on. Accidentally drilled through a pipe during DIY? Whether that’s covered will depend on what your policy includes. Check your documents carefully before picking up a drill.
What isn’t covered?
Not everything that goes wrong in a kitchen or bathroom falls under building insurance. Here’s a quick summary of common exclusions:
- Freestanding appliances and furniture: Washing machines, fridges, freestanding ovens, and other movable items need contents insurance, not building insurance
- Wear and tear and gradual deterioration: A kitchen that’s simply aged, or a bathroom suite that’s worn out over time, isn’t an insured event
- Poor maintenance or lack of maintenance: A slow leak you knew about and didn’t fix, or a boiler you never serviced, is unlikely to be covered
- DIY damage: Accidentally causing damage during renovation work isn’t typically covered unless you have accidental damage cover in place
- Undeclared renovations: If you’ve upgraded your kitchen or bathroom and haven’t told your insurer, you may find yourself underinsured when it comes to making a claim
What to do if your kitchen or bathroom is damaged
If something goes wrong, act quickly. Here’s how to handle the claims process:
- Stay safe first. If there’s a burst pipe, turn off the water supply. If there’s a fire, get everyone out and call 999.
- Document everything. Photos, videos, written descriptions. The more evidence the better.
- Contact your insurer. Let them know as soon as possible. Delays could affect your claim.
- Get professional assessments. The claims process typically involves a loss adjuster to determine the cause and extent of damage. Having professional inspection reports and repair quotes ready can help speed things up.
- Hold off on permanent repairs. Wait for insurer approval before carrying out permanent repairs, unless there’s an urgent safety concern.
Some providers have approved contractor networks, so check before hiring someone independently. Many insurers allow you to select your preferred contractor, though they may require quotes or approve contractors beforehand.
What about renovated kitchens and bathrooms?
If you’ve recently upgraded your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to let your insurer know. High-end renovations, bespoke fittings, or premium materials can significantly increase the rebuild cost of your home. If your policy hasn’t been updated to reflect this, you could find yourself underinsured when you need to make a claim.
Every time you carry out significant work, notify your insurer and keep records of the work done, the materials used, and the costs involved. It’s a simple step that could save a lot of hassle later.
Before we go
Building insurance covers the permanent, fixed parts of your kitchen and bathroom when they’re damaged by a sudden, unexpected insured event. Freestanding items, gradual wear and tear, and damage from poor maintenance or DIY mishaps aren’t included. Know what’s covered, keep your insurer updated after renovations, and review your policy so you’re not caught short when something goes wrong.
Lemonade’s home insurance cover is built around you, not the small print. With straightforward building insurance that covers the essentials, and a claims process designed to be simple and human, you can feel confident your home is protected when the unexpected happens. Explore Lemonade’s home insurance options to find the right cover for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does building insurance cover fitted kitchens?
Yes, fitted kitchens are generally covered under building insurance as permanent fixtures. If an insured event like a burst pipe or fire damages your built-in units, worktops, or sink, your policy should cover the repairs. Freestanding appliances are a different matter and need contents insurance.
Are bathroom fixtures included in building insurance?
Yes. Permanently fitted bathroom fixtures like baths, showers, sinks, and toilets are considered part of the structure of your home and are typically covered under buildings insurance when damaged by an insured event.
What’s excluded from building insurance?
Freestanding appliances, movable furniture, wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and damage caused by poor maintenance or DIY work are all typically excluded. Accidental damage cover can be added as an optional extra for some of these scenarios.
Do I need to update my policy after a kitchen renovation?
Yes. Any significant upgrade should be declared to your insurer, as it could affect your home’s rebuild cost. Failing to update your policy could leave you underinsured and out of pocket if you need to make a claim.
How can I check if I’m properly covered?
Start by reading through your policy documents and looking for references to permanent fixtures, fitted units, and insured events. If anything’s unclear, give your insurer a ring and ask them directly. It’s always better to confirm now than to be caught out later.
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