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Car insurance customers 'should think twice about paving over gardens'

26/02/07

Car insurance customers who are planning to pave over their front gardens to create a private parking space may be interested to hear that a home insurance company has warned against the practice.
 
A report from the home insurance branch of insurance specialist esure has estimated that up to 100,000 properties in Greater London could be at risk of damage as a result of changes to the exterior of their houses.
 
Explaining the problem, the home insurance company has warned that tearing up lawns and flowerbeds reduces the number of permeable surfaces that can soak up water to satisfy the needs of nearby trees.
 
This can lead to the roots of the affected trees extending up to 30 metres in some instances to locate fresh sources of water, which could take them underneath a house.
 
Since property foundations may be undermined by these growing roots, this could potentially lead to costly subsidence claims being made on a home insurance policy.
 
And the home insurance company claims that it is a particular issue for homeowners who have laid completely impermeable surfaces such as concrete or patios, as opposed to gravel.
 
"It is very appealing for homeowners in busy streets to create a bespoke parking space for their property," commented Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure.
 
"Unfortunately, for houses with a street tree or large front garden tree nearby, this can significantly increase the risk of subsidence."
 
Some car insurance customers may decide to pave over their gardens because they cannot afford to pay the parking fees associated with leaving cars on city streets.
 
However, if the practice means road users face substantial home insurance costs, it could potentially negate any savings made, meaning they may not be able to afford comprehensive car insurance cover.
 
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