Does Buildings Insurance Cover Chimney Repairs?

Buildings insurance usually covers chimney repairs, but only if the damage was caused by something sudden and unexpected, like a storm, a chimney fire, or a falling tree. If it’s down to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, your insurer won’t pay out. Here’s what you need to know.

Does buildings insurance cover chimney repairs?

Your chimney is part of your home’s structure, so yes, it’s generally included under buildings insurance. But here’s the catch: insurance cover only kicks in when the damage results from a specific, unexpected event.

Buildings insurance, which forms part of most comprehensive home insurance policies, typically covers structural damage to chimneys caused by insured perils such as weather events, fire, or impact damage.

Standard home insurance policies typically cover chimney repairs only when the damage results from specific perils explicitly listed in your policy terms. So if a storm rolls through and takes a chunk out of your chimney stack, you’re likely covered. If it’s crumbled away slowly over the years? That’s a different story.

What types of chimney damage are covered?

Common covered scenarios include storm damage, fire damage, vandalism, or impact from falling objects like trees or aircraft. Here’s a closer look:

Storm damage 

High wind speeds, heavy rain, or severe weather that directly damages your chimney stack or requires flashing repairs? Most buildings insurance policies will cover this, as long as you can prove the storm caused it. Insurance companies typically request photographs of the damage, professional inspection reports, and maintenance records. Weather reports may also be required if claiming storm damage, to establish the connection between the event and the damage sustained.

Fire damage 

Chimney fires are usually covered under buildings insurance when they result from accidental causes, but coverage may be excluded if the fire resulted from negligent maintenance or failure to have the chimney regularly cleaned. Professional chimney cleaning records can support claims by demonstrating proper maintenance practices.

Falling trees and impact damage 

If a falling tree lands on your chimney, your buildings insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repairs. Document everything and get in touch with your provider quickly.

Water damage 

Insurance policies in the UK typically cover sudden water damage, but not issues arising from poor maintenance. If you can trace the leak back to structural damage or general wear and tear and inadequate maintenance to your fireplace’s flue liners, you may have to foot the bill yourself.

Accidental damage 

Accidental damage cover isn’t always included as standard. It’s often an add-on. Check your policy documents carefully to see if it’s included and what it applies to.

What chimney damage is not covered?

Wear and tear isn’t covered by home insurance policies. Over time, all chimneys will experience some level of deterioration due to exposure to the weather. If you do not, and a serious issue occurs, the insurer is unlikely to pay out.

Here’s a quick summary of common exclusions:

• General wear and gradual deterioration: Crumbling mortar, eroding brickwork, or a flue that’s seen better days
• Poor maintenance or lack of maintenance: If chimney problems are traced back to neglect, your claim is likely to be rejected
• Repointing and routine upkeep: Cosmetic or maintenance work like repointing isn’t what chimney insurance is for
• Creosote buildup and blockages: Chimneys need to be regularly swept in order to prevent buildup of dangerous creosote, and failure to do so can void your cover
• Pest damage: Birds or squirrels nesting in your chimney stack aren’t an insured event under standard home insurance cover

What to do if your chimney is damaged

If chimney damage strikes, move quickly. Here’s how to handle the claims process:

1. Stay safe first. If there’s structural damage or a chimney fire, don’t hang about. Get everyone out and call 999 if needed.
2. Document everything. Photos, videos, written descriptions. The more evidence the better.
3. Contact your insurer. Let them know as soon as possible. Timely reporting of the damage is crucial, as delays could affect your claim. With Lemonade, you can do this instantly through the app.
4. Get inspection reports. The claims process typically involves a loss adjuster assessment to determine cause and extent of damage. Having professional inspection reports and repair quotes ready can expedite this process considerably.
5. Hold off on permanent repairs. Permanent repairs should await insurer approval unless emergency safety concerns exist.

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 listed properties or unique designs?

Listed buildings and conservation areas often require planning permission for significant chimney work, whilst most standard repairs fall under permitted development rights. Standard home insurance policies might not fully cover the cost of repairs if specialist heritage materials or techniques are required, so if you own a listed property, it’s worth exploring specialist cover on top of your standard buildings insurance policy.

Why chimney maintenance matters

Regular maintenance is your best defence, both against chimney problems and against rejected claims. Here’s what to stay on top of:

• Get an annual chimney sweep. It keeps creosote and soot from building up in the flue, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
• Book yearly chimney inspections. Small issues caught early are a lot cheaper to fix than big ones caught late.
• Keep records of everything. Every time you have your chimney swept, repaired, or inspected, get written documentation and keep it somewhere safe.

Most insurers require evidence that your chimney was properly maintained before any damage occurred. Those records could make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim.

Bottom line

Your chimney is part of your home, and when something unexpected damages it, your buildings insurance could step in. Just remember: insurance is for sudden, unforeseen events. Regular maintenance is still yours to stay on top of. Keep records, get your chimney swept, and review your policy documents so you know exactly where you stand.

Lemonade’s home insurance cover is built around you, not the small print. With straightforward buildings 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.

Chimney repairs FAQs