Question: We recently purchased a unit with original floorboards. They are on joists, not floating. When we lifted one of the floorboards, we discovered it was water damaged. Does the strata insurance cover this?
Answer: In this case, the strata insurance policy is the appropriate policy to claim against, however….
If the floorboards are not floating—meaning it is not flooring that is held in place by its own weight and perimeter skirting—then they are considered permanent flooring. Permanent flooring is typically glued or nailed to the subfloor. In this case, the strata insurance policy is the appropriate policy to claim against.
However, whether the damage is covered will depend on the cause. In order to be claimable, most strata policies require water damage to be sudden and accidental. Common exclusions include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and long-term exposure to moisture. If the damage has developed slowly over time, it may not be covered under the strata policy.
For further insights into water damage claims and how insurers assess these situations, you may find the LookUpStrata Water Damage Webinar helpful. Click here to watch.
Tyrone Shandiman Strata Insurance Solutions E: tshandiman@iaa.net.au P: 1300 554 165
This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Shandit Pty Ltd T/as Strata Insurance Solutions strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisenent Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.