I refer to your recent articles on timber-framed construction which contain several inaccuracies as to the insurance industry鈥檚 stance regarding this topic

Aviva looks at each risk on an individual basis and has never said that we would withdraw cover for timber-framed buildings at any time. Each insurer will have their own company survey strategy which determines which risks will undertake a physical survey for insurance underwriting purposes.

The risk profile of a property is critical, particularly in terms of resilience to hazards and the cost of actual repairs following damage. Insurers鈥� assessment and underwriting of risks considers a very wide range of factors and features, of which construction and the contribution that constructional elements present to the fire load, the early and developing stages in a fire, and their contribution to fire spread are just one aspect.

Loss adjusters will assess any claim on the insurers鈥� behalf and if circumstances show there were contributing third party factors we may pursue the third party for recompense. This does not happen simply because it is a 鈥渂ig claim鈥� or modern methods of construction have been used. Nor are we aware of any insurers declining insurance on one building because the same builder鈥檚 work on another property is considered to have contributed to a recent fire claim.

We recognise and appreciate the part that modern methods of construction have to play in providing better homes and meeting sustainability agendas as well as the environmental and cost efficiencies. Insurers, including Aviva, are working together through RISC Authority, to help understand how different building systems will perform against insurable perils.

Allister Smith, risk manager, Aviva

Topics