Rhoda Grant welcomes home insurance statement on new fire alarm laws but wants to know how long it will last
NORTH MSP, Rhoda Grant, has welcomed an announcement that home insurance is unlikely to be invalidated if people fail to comply with new fire alarm laws.
But the Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands wants to know how long will that be the case.
Mrs Grant was concerned home insurance would be affected if home owners fail to comply with the new fire alarm laws which are now in place in Scotland. However, she has received reassurance from the Association of British Insurers (API) that this is unlikely.
In an email to the MSP, the association says: "Our members are aware of the new regulations coming into force and are unlikely to invalidate a home insurance claim for existing customers who haven’t yet complied with the new law in Scotland. Anyone who is unclear on their policy terms and conditions should speak to their insurer."
It explains that major insurers such as, Aviva, AXA, Admiral Group and LV have confirmed that they will not invalidate claims where their customers have not yet been able to install the new interlinked fire and smoke alarms.
However, Mrs Grant has asked if there will be a time when non-compliance with the new fire alarm laws will invalidate home insurance. She also wants to know if the current position will extend to new customers who are changing provider.
Mrs Grant said: "I’m glad that this is the current position of most home insurance companies and I wish to spread this reassuring message from API.
"I will continue to investigate to ensure that this policy continues and that no one will fall through the cracks. I will also continue the fight to see that help is extended to low-income households as its vitally important that we are all as safe as we can be within our homes."
The policy requiring all homes in Scotland to have interlinked fire alarms came into force at the beginning of the month despite warnings by Highland politicians that the timescale was "unrealistic". There have been concerns that not enough people are aware of the change.
The Scottish Government emphasised that no-one will be penalised if they do not install the alarms. A spokesperson estimated the cost at about £220 for a three-bedroom property.
The new law has come about because of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London in 2017.
Homes will need interlinked alarms in the living room – or the room that is used most – and in every hallway or landing, and there has to be a heat alarm in the kitchen, all mounted on the ceiling.