Indemnity Insurance - Building regs

[jetsetwilly58]

When I purchased my house, the previous owner had done a lot of renovation work. Due to this, my solicitor took out an indemnity policy on my behalf.

Recently the roof has been leaking. The builder that just came to look at it says that the leak has damaged the brickwork in the attic and that the flashing on the roof is not done to building regulations.

Does this policy cover this kind of issue? I heave read the policy wording but not being in the building trade, not sure what it all means.

Would like some info before I try and pursue a claim (or not if the case may be).

If it will cover me, do I need to get the local authority building regs out? There is some talk in the policy of it being void if I discuss it with anyone.

Confused.

Advice appreciated as I think the reflashing of the roof and repair of brick wall (taking part of the chimney down) is going to cost a lot of dosh

 

[denso13]

The indemnity insurance is taken out by the seller, and it covers the buyer against the cost of any enforcement action taken by the council in respect of non-notification, i.e. defending the case and the cost of undoing work and reinstating to the former condition and any loss in value as a result.

And that's normally all it does. It does not cover the buyer against any problems arising from the work, e.g. if it was unsafe, and it becomes null and void if the buyer ever asks the council about the work, and I think they often become null and void if the buyer subsequently carries out notifiable work.

Some info here for example, http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=443752

 

[^woody^]

The flashing is nothing to do with building regulations and you have no claim.

Your indemnity policy (apart from being a complete waste of time and money) only normally covers significant structural works.

In any case, "Recently the roof has been leaking" implies a normal and new maintenance issue not even covered by standard building insurance.

Get the work done and move on