The answer to this question is yes, homeowners insurance companies are able to deny claims or increase premiums if they know that a home has an infestation of Japanese Knotweed on the property.

While this may be frustrating for homeowners who have no control over the presence of this invasive plant, there are steps that they can take to protect their property and minimize the risk of damage in the event of a claim.

Why this is a problem for the insurance companies?

It is a well-known fact that Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species of plant that can cause significant damage to both property and people.

So, it may not come as a surprise that homeowners insurance companies are able to deny claims or increase premiums if they know that a home has an infestation of Japanese Knotweed on the property.

What may be surprising is that, in some cases, homeowners insurance companies may not be legally required to cover the damages caused by Japanese Knotweed.

Japanese knotweed on the property and within 7 metres which can cause structural damage
Japanese knotweed on the property and within 7 metres which can cause structural damage

Recent court case outcome on Japanese knotweed

In 2015, a woman in Scotland attempted to make an insurance claim after her home was damaged by Japanese Knotweed. However, her insurer denied the claim, stating that the plant was a “known perils” and that they were not required to cover the damages.

The woman took her case to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which ruled in favour of the insurance company.

This case highlights a potential problem for homeowners who have Japanese Knotweed on their property. While most policies will cover damage caused by plants, there is a chance that an insurance company could deny a claim if they can prove that the plant is a known peril.

Homeowners should, therefore, be aware of the possibility that their insurance company may not cover the damages caused by Japanese Knotweed.

Man clearing the ground to avoid any knotweed returning - japanese knotweed on the property
A man clearing the ground to avoid any knotweed returning

The best course of action

Homeowners should be upfront with their insurance company about any potential risks or problems on their property, such as an infestation of Japanese Knotweed.

Additionally, homeowners can take steps to prevent and/or get rid of Japanese Knotweed on their property. These steps may include hiring a professional landscaper or gardener to remove the plant, or using a chemical treatment to kill it.

While these methods can be expensive and time-consuming, they may be necessary in order to protect your property from damage caused by this invasive plant species.

In conclusion

Can insurance companies deny claims or increase premiums if they know that a home has Japanese Knotweed on the property?

Homeowners’ insurance companies are able to deny claims or increase premiums if they know that a home has an infestation of Japanese Knotweed on the property.

While this can be frustrating for homeowners who may not have any control over the presence of this invasive plant, there are steps that they can take to protect their property and minimize the risk of damage in the event of a claim.

Want to know more about how insurance companies operate?

Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help, and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.

Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.

The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips

Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides, and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.

Knotweed Removal, UK

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