Buildings policy covers pest damage

ZURICH Insurance has launched a buildings insurance policy that will pick up the bill for damage caused by rats, mice and other pests, writes Maria Scott.

The Zurich Elite policy pays up to pounds 1,000 to rid a house of rodents. The policy also covers cockroaches and wasps' or bees' nests, the treatment of woodworm and the removal or lopping of dangerous trees.

Zurich's policy also pays for up to four hours' labour and pounds 100 for unblocking plumbing and drainage systems, repairing central heating boilers and arranging emergency access to the house if the only available key is lost.

The policy is available on homes with a rebuilding cost of pounds 120,000 or more and there is a no-claims discount of 10 per cent after two years.

Homeowners who want to swap to this policy from a building society one will be given a pounds 25 voucher by Zurich to cover any charge the society may levy on the policyholder for switching insurer.

Zurich Elite is available through the insurance agents Hill House Hammond (0742 742 742) and Berry, Birch and Noble (081 777 7778).

Commercial Union is warning householders planning improvements to check whether they will add to the likely cost of rebuilding the home. If so, the homeowner may need to increase the insurance cover although Commercial Union says that this does not necessarily mean there will be an increase in the premium.