Does Building Insurance Cover Structural Defects?
What buildings insurance actually covers when it comes to structural issues, and what it doesn't.
Building insurance is essential for homeowners, but it doesn’t cover everything. If you’re wondering whether structural defects fall within your policy, the short answer is: generally not. Here’s why, and what your options are.
At a glance
- Building insurance covers the physical structure of your home against sudden, unexpected events like fire, storms, and vandalism.
- Structural defects are almost always excluded. They’re treated as maintenance issues or pre-existing conditions rather than insured events.
- Damage caused by sudden events, like a tree falling on your roof, is a different matter and is likely covered.
- Subsidence may be covered, but usually requires specific cover or an additional premium.
- New build defects are typically covered by a new home warranty rather than building insurance.
What does building insurance cover?
Building insurance protects the physical structure of your home against damage caused by sudden, unexpected events. That includes:
- Walls, roof, floors, and windows
- Built-in kitchens and bathrooms
- Permanent fixtures and fittings
- Outbuildings like garages or sheds
Events typically covered include fire, storms, flooding, vandalism, and escape of water from burst pipes. The key principle is that the damage must be sudden and unexpected. Insurance is designed for unforeseen events, not the gradual effects of time, use, or neglect.
When does building insurance cover structural defects?
In most cases, it doesn’t. But there are specific circumstances where structural damage is covered.
Building insurance is designed for sudden, unexpected events. If a structural issue arises directly from one of those events, it’s likely to be covered. If it’s rooted in poor construction, gradual deterioration, or a known pre-existing condition, it almost certainly won’t be.
Insurers typically exclude structural defects that fall into these categories:
- A pre-existing condition. If the defect existed before you took out the policy, it won’t be covered.
- A maintenance issue. If deterioration has happened gradually over time, it falls outside the scope of insurance.
- A construction defect. Poor workmanship or substandard materials during the original build are not insured events.
This applies even to add-on cover. Lemonade’s All Risk Add-On covers sudden and accidental damage to the building, but explicitly excludes wear and tear, poor maintenance, and foundational or structural issues. The principle is consistent across the industry: insurance is for the unexpected, not the preventable.
For example:
A homeowner notices cracks appearing in their walls several years after the property was built. A surveyor confirms the issue stems from inadequate foundations laid during construction. Because the defect is rooted in the original build quality rather than a sudden insured event, the building insurance policy won’t cover the repair costs.
When might structural damage be covered?
There are circumstances where damage to the structure of your home is covered, even if the result looks structural:
| Scenario | Likely covered? |
|---|---|
| Storm causes a tree to fall on the roof, damaging the structure | Yes, as a sudden insured event |
| Fire damages load-bearing walls | Yes, fire is a standard insured peril |
| Subsidence causes cracking and movement | Sometimes, but usually requires specific subsidence cover |
| Foundation defects from poor construction | No, excluded as a pre-existing or construction defect |
| Gradual deterioration of brickwork | No, excluded as wear and tear |
| Damage caused by pests | No, pest damage is a standard exclusion |
What about subsidence?
Subsidence, where the ground beneath your home shifts and causes the structure to move or crack, is a separate consideration. It’s sometimes included in building insurance but may require an additional premium or specific cover.
What about new build defects?
If structural defects appear in a newly built home, they’re typically covered by a new home warranty rather than your building insurance policy. In the UK, the most common is the NHBC Buildmark warranty, which covers structural defects for up to ten years after the property was built. If you’ve recently bought a new build, check whether a warranty is in place before assuming your insurance covers construction issues.
What are your options if you have a structural defect?
If your building insurance won’t cover a structural defect, here’s where to look:
- New home warranty. If your property is relatively new, check whether it’s covered under an NHBC Buildmark or similar warranty.
- Legal protection. Lemonade’s Legal Protection add-on provides support and cost coverage for disputes related to your home, including issues with contractors or builders. It won’t pay for the repair directly, but it can help you pursue the party responsible.
- Specialist insurance. Some insurers offer specialist cover for specific structural issues. This is worth exploring if you’re buying a property with a known defect.
- Professional survey. Before buying any property, a full structural survey will flag defects that a standard valuation survey might miss. This is particularly important for older properties.
Bottom line
Building insurance is designed for sudden, unexpected damage, not structural defects, which are treated as maintenance issues or pre-existing conditions. If you have concerns about the structural integrity of your home, a professional survey is the right first step. And if you’re buying a new build, check what warranty is in place before assuming your policy has you covered.
Structural defects insurance FAQs
Does buildings insurance cover subsidence?
Subsidence is sometimes covered, but it often requires specific cover or an additional premium rather than being included as standard. Check your policy wording carefully. If subsidence is a concern, our guide on does buildings insurance cover subsidence covers what to look for.
What is a structural defect?
A structural defect is a flaw in the design, materials, or workmanship of a building that affects its stability or integrity. Examples include inadequate foundations, poorly constructed load-bearing walls, or a roof structure that doesn’t meet building regulations. These are distinct from damage caused by insured events like storms or fire.
Is a leaking roof covered under building insurance?
It depends on the cause. If a storm damages your roof and water gets in as a result, that’s likely covered as a sudden insured event. If the roof has been deteriorating gradually due to age or lack of maintenance and eventually leaks, that’s a maintenance issue and won’t be covered. The distinction between sudden damage and gradual deterioration is central to how most building insurance policies work.
Are new home structural defects covered under insurance?
Not typically under building insurance. New build structural defects are usually covered by a new home warranty, such as the NHBC Buildmark scheme, which provides protection against structural defects for up to ten years after the property was built. If you’ve bought a new build, check whether a warranty is in place and what it covers before assuming your building insurance applies.
Can I claim for structural damage caused by pests?
No. Damage caused by pests, including termites or rodents, is a standard exclusion from building insurance policies. Pest damage is treated as a maintenance issue. If you have a pest problem, you’ll need to address it directly rather than through an insurance claim.
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