Insurance & liability claims

As a landlord, the council is responsible for insuring its council dwellings. However, we do not insure any of the contents that belong to the tenant or leaseholder.

The council is only liable for damage sustained where it is proven that we have been negligent, and failed in our statutory duty. (See liability claims below).

Contents insurance

As a tenant, you are encouraged to insure the contents of your property with an insurance company of your choice.

However, we do offer tenants comprehensive insurance cover within our own home contents insurance scheme (tenants only).

Liability claims

Council tenants or leaseholders can make insurance claims against the council for any damage to their possessions, or injury to themselves or members of their family, if they consider that the council has been negligent.

How do I make claim for damage to my possessions?

• Contact your local housing office immediately following the incident
• You then will need to complete a claim form (supplied by your housing office)
• A housing officer may need to visit your home to assess the damage. This allows for damaged items to be seen, at first hand, prior to items being disposed of
• It must be emphasised that all claims are subject to investigation and that there is no automatic right of being awarded compensation
• Receipts or replacement estimates will be required for the payment of successful claims.

How long will it take for my claim to be processed?

Claimants are advised soon after the conclusion of the investigation whether their claim has been rejected or is for settlement.

How do I make a personal injury claim?

Personal injury claims should be made in writing to the council’s insurance section. Alternatively you can ring 0207 364 4751 for a claim form to be sent to you.

The council’s claims team investigates all personal injury claims, gathering essential information from the appropriate departments. All of the correspondence, along with our views on liability is then passed on to our insurer Zurich Municipal, to handle the claim.

Further information

Contact the council’s insurance team.

Pid No: 124