Would building insurannce kick in?

[Wonderbug81]

I live in a Victorian conversion (first floor). The downstairs neighbour is getting work done including removing the chimney breast at his level.

We're getting a party wall agreement and freeholder is aware.

Building insurance comes from one company but we have separate policies apparently (seems odd but that's what the manager has said)!

I asked them if the insurance company knows about this work because if there is an issue I want to be able to claim

They've said it's fine as there are two policies. They don't seem to understand that if the chimney work causes issues, it will affect my level.

Should I push them on this or accept?

Are you keeping the upstairs part of the chimney breast or has that already been removed? It's not usually advisable to have a chimney breast on the first floor only.

Re: if their works causes damage - have you read the party wall agreement? That should cover how any damage would be remediated (by them!).

My chimney breast is staying. I agree, would prefer they didn't do it but the best I can do is get the PW agreement and my own surveyor involved. The freeholder has already agreed.

The agreement is still being drawn up so will make sure it's covered there too but I just wondered if there's usually an obligation to tell them in advance and/or would I be able to claim under it (or would it be home insurance)?

Your need to contact your insurer yourself and not rely on the day so of someone else.
This sounds concerning of not done properly.

I would be more bothered about ensuring building regulations are met and the PW agreement is in place Vs buildings insurance (not contents).

Thanks, I'd rather the freeholder sorted. I can't get the answers from their manager I'll escalate it.

Definitely will look at regs and PWA but if something does go wrong, I want to know where I stand with insurance.

Hmm... I don't think it's right that you have separate buildings insurance at all. I don't think it's supposed to work that way. You should have one policy for the full building structure that the flat owners split the cost of together. Perhaps bought and administrated by the freeholder? It's a hassle to buy and manage I guess, but you literally can't have your insurer rebuild your property in the event of a total loss if the ground floor's insurer doesn't also rebuild theirs and co-operate with you. I guess this will come up if you get in touch with them over the building works downstairs.

This was exactly my thinking! Very strange set up. I think I'm going to have to escalate as I keep getting fobbed off.