Sectiuonal Title Apartment: Burglary and Insurance Claim

[dbz0e]

Hi,

I've had a burglary at my apartment that I am renting out: Burglar Gate and Front door damaged. Had to re-weld gate (strengthen) and replace front door.

Does the complex insurance or my home loan (insurance) cover such damage?

Regards

 

[Goliath]

Home loan insurance I'd say..

Edit: I'm wrong, it is part owner part BC responsibility - what Kosmik said

 

[Gordon_R]

Body Corporate Insurance IMO. Contact the Managing Agent of the complex to check.

I'm not sure why you would have home loan insurance if the Body Corporate has cover.

In either case there would probably be an excess payable.

 

[Kosmik]

Building insurance for damage to walls doors etc is BC responsibility.

 

[airborne]

That's damage to a unit not common useage areas, surely it must fall under household insurance?

 

[Hemi300c]

Cover falls under the Sectional Title or Body Corporate policy.

 

[airborne]

Cover falls under the Sectional Title or Body Corporate policy.

Anything external?

 

[Hemi300c]

That belongs to the Sectional Title including common property.

 

[airborne]

That belongs to the Sectional Title including common property.

Would they also pay for burglar guards/other security upgrades for a unit?
I don't see how those would belong to the sectional title or be common property?

 

[Hemi300c]

Nope no changes only indemnification.
You'll also probably have to beg and plea with the complex governing body to allow the burglar bars etc.
If the items were std f&f to the complex then yeah but they will only put you in the position you were before the loss.

 

[Gordon_R]

FYI Body Corporate Insurance also covers the geyser and water damage, which is definitely inside the walls! It is best thought of as immovable fixtures and fittings built into the design. We once had a claim paid for the kitchen sink and granite counter-top stolen out of an empty apartment!!

 

[Kosmik]

Folks this can be broken down simply into the insurances and who pays for them. In a sectional title, the Home Owners Comprehensive insurance is mandated by law to be paid via the BC. Household contents insurance is covered personally. Anything covered by HOC is for the BC to lodge a claim: that includes geyser, walls, roof, pipes, windows etc. The BC cannot refuse but they may insist the unit pays the excess and if premiums are affected, they can increase the units proportional levy.

 

[ProfA]

Home contents insurance must pay as damage occurred because of burglary. Home contents is the owners (in this case the tenant) responsibility. Buildings insurance is what the body corporate has which is covered by the levy.

 

[Kosmik]

Home contents insurance must pay as damage occurred because of burglary. Home contents is the owners (in this case the tenant) responsibility. Buildings insurance is what the body corporate has which is covered by the levy.

Home contents will tell you claim from HOC as it is technically structural. They insure household contents, not doors and windows.

home contents insurance, also known as household insurance, covers you for items that belong to you and members of your household, that are stolen or damaged at your home or outbuildings. Whatever is most valuable to you, is valuable to us too so relax - we've got it covered!

What is 'home contents' you ask? Well, if you were to turn your house upside down, everything that would fall out would be your 'home contents'.

Building insurance or HOC

buildings insurance, covers you for damage to the physical structures of property, such as your home and its outbuildings. Of course, by 'buildings' we mean the physical and permanent structures of the property, whether they are separate from the property or not, at the address that is noted on your policy schedule.

Don't worry, it also includes all permanent fixtures, fittings and improvements, such as driveways, walls, garages, fences, patios, swimming pools, swimming pool boreholes, spa pumps, gate motors, tennis courts, underground pipes and cables.

FYI, doors and windows are permanent fixtures, as well as burglar bars. Case in point, I was hijacked in my garage about 2 years ago, locked in and had to bust door open to get out. BC HOC paid for new door.

 

[hellfire]

Would they also pay for burglar guards/other security upgrades for a unit?
I don't see how those would belong to the sectional title or be common property?

It depends exactly where those upgrades are located.
Generally, common property starts at the point exactly halfway through your exterior wall.