Do I Need Home Emergency Cover on a New Build?

Introduction

Purchasing a new build property is an exciting milestone, offering the opportunity to own a modern and well-designed home. As a new homeowner, you may be wondering if home emergency cover is necessary for a property that is newly constructed and equipped with the latest systems and appliances.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of home emergency cover for new build properties, discussing potential risks, benefits, and considerations.

New Build Defects

While new build properties generally come with warranties and guarantees from the developer, they are not immune to defects or issues. Here are some factors to consider:

a. Construction Issues: Despite rigorous quality control measures, construction defects can still occur in new build properties. These can include plumbing leaks, electrical faults, or heating system malfunctions. Home emergency cover can provide assistance in such situations, helping you address and resolve these issues promptly.

b. Appliance Failures: New build properties often come equipped with brand-new appliances. However, even the most reliable appliances can experience unexpected failures or faults. Appliance breakdown cover can offer assistance for repair or replacement of these appliances, ensuring that you are not left with unexpected costs.

c. Developer Guarantees: While developers provide warranties and guarantees for new builds, they may have limitations or time restrictions. Home emergency cover can supplement these guarantees, providing additional coverage for emergencies beyond the developer's warranty period.

New Build Exclusions

It is important to review the specifics of your new build property's warranty and insurance coverage. Consider the following:

a. Limited Coverage: Some warranties or guarantees offered by developers may have limitations on the types of emergencies they cover. They may focus more on structural defects rather than home emergencies like boiler breakdowns or plumbing leaks. Home emergency cover can fill these gaps and provide comprehensive protection.

b. Time Limitations: Developer warranties typically have time limitations, often ranging from one to ten years. Once the warranty expires, you may be responsible for any emergency repairs or issues that arise. Home emergency cover can offer ongoing protection beyond the warranty period, ensuring continued peace of mind.

Additional Benefits

Home emergency cover on a new build property can offer several additional benefits. Consider the following:

a. Swift Response and Assistance: Emergencies can occur at any time, and having home emergency cover ensures access to a helpline staffed by professionals who can provide guidance and arrange for qualified engineers to address the issue promptly. This swift response can minimise inconvenience and prevent further damage to your new home.

b. Peace of Mind: Owning a new build property should be a joyful experience, free from worries about potential emergencies. Having home emergency cover can offer peace of mind, knowing that you have comprehensive protection in place to address unforeseen issues.

Considerations and Policy Review

Before purchasing home emergency cover for your new build property, it's important to consider a few key points:

a. Developer's Coverage: Review the warranty and insurance coverage provided by the developer to understand the extent of their protection. Assess any gaps or limitations in coverage and evaluate if home emergency cover is necessary to supplement it.

b. Policy Comparison: Compare different home emergency cover policies available in the market. Consider factors such as coverage limits, exclusions, response times, and customer reviews. Choose a policy that aligns with your specific needs and provides the level of protection you require.

c. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the cost of home emergency cover against the potential savings and benefits it offers. Consider the likelihood of encountering emergencies in your new build property and the associated expenses without coverage. This analysis can help you determine if the investment is worthwhile.

Conclusion

While new build properties come with warranties and guarantees from developers, it is still important to consider home emergency cover for comprehensive protection. New build defects, appliance failures, and limitations in the developer's coverage are factors to consider when assessing the need for home emergency cover. The additional benefits of swift response, emergency assistance and peace of mind make it a valuable investment for new build homeowners.