Japanese knotweed guarantee
Knotweed Specialists UK Limited carries out Japanese knotweed control & removal work to the highest standards using our highly qualified, fully trained professionals. For extra peace of mind, our customers can be covered on request by a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee policy for Japanese knotweed.
Once the customer has agreed to employ our company for the treatment of Japanese knotweed, an insurance-backed guarantee may be requested. We will make all the necessary arrangements with the insurer and provide the customer with the policy within a couple of days FREE of charge (subject to T&Cs).
The insurance policy will be valid from either the date of the completion of treatment and monitoring, specified in the Knotweed Management Plan (normally 5 years) or from the date that your Knotweed Management Plan commences. The insurance will cover the cost of any ongoing treatments if our company ceases trading and can no longer complete our obligations. Therefore, it is different from a standard guarantee often offered by other Japanese knotweed companies. Typically, they will not be valid should the company stop trading. Both domestic and commercial customers can be covered. The policy is bonded to the property/site address and will be fully transferable to a new owner.
To make a claim, the customer should contact the insurer directly. The insurer will request the relevant paperwork (survey report and management plan) confirming the extent of work that has been carried out to date to assist the claim. An alternative service provider will be found to accomplish planned work.
What is Japanese knotweed insurance backed guarantee?
An insurance-backed guarantee is a type of warranty that provides protection to property owners and buyers against the re-growth of Japanese knotweed after treatment. The guarantee is typically issued by a specialist contractor or surveyor who has carried out the knotweed treatment and provides assurance that the plant will not reappear on the property within a specific period, usually 10 years. The insurance backed guarantee provides financial security to the property owner or buyer in case the knotweed does reappear, as the insurer will cover the cost of further treatment and repair of any damage caused by the plant. It can be transferred to new property owners, providing ongoing protection against the re-growth of knotweed.
It’s important to note that not all insurance backed guarantees are the same, and the level of protection and coverage provided may vary depending on the insurance provider and the terms of the policy. Some may have exclusions and limitations, such as only covering the cost of treatment if the knotweed is found within a certain area of the property, or not covering the cost of repairing any pre-existing damage caused by the plant. Therefore when considering an insurance backed guarantee for Japanese knotweed, it’s important to work with a reputable contractor or surveyor who has experience in treating and managing the plant and who can provide a comprehensive warranty that meets your specific needs.
Why do you need insurance backed guarantee for Japanese knotweed?
If you are looking to buy or sell property and land affected by Japanese Knotweed, it is a requirement by all mortgage providers that a 10-year insurance backed guarantee is in place.
The guarantee is also in place to give you peace of mind that should any regrowth occur during the guarantee period, it will be treated free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I insure against knotweed?
Yes, it is possible to obtain insurance coverage for the presence of Japanese knotweed on your property. However, the availability and extent of coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the severity of the infestation. In the UK, some insurance providers offer knotweed-specific policies that provide coverage for the cost of treatment, removal, and repair of any damage caused by the plant. These policies can be purchased by property owners or sellers and can help provide peace of mind to potential buyers and lenders.
It’s important to note that not all insurance policies cover knotweed, and even policies that do may have limitations and exclusions. For example, some policies may only cover the cost of treatment if the infestation is discovered during the policy period, while others may not cover the cost of repairing any damage caused by the plant. When considering knotweed insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions, including any exclusions and limitations, and to obtain multiple quotes from different insurance providers to ensure that you are getting the best coverage and value for your money. In addition to obtaining insurance coverage, it’s also recommended to work with a reputable specialist contractor to assess and treat any knotweed infestations on your property to minimise the risk of damage and to increase the value and marketability of your property.
Is it hard to sell a house with Japanese knotweed?
Selling a house with Japanese knotweed can be challenging, as the presence of this invasive plant can significantly affect the value and marketability of the property. In the UK, the presence of Japanese knotweed must be declared in the Property Information Form (TA6) when selling a property, and buyers are advised to carry out a survey to assess the extent of the infestation. To increase the chances of selling a property with Japanese knotweed, it is recommended to engage a reputable specialist contractor to assess and treat the infestation. A management plan detailing the treatment program and the expected timeframe for managing can also be provided to potential buyers, which can help reassure them about the situation. Overall, while selling a house with Japanese knotweed can be challenging, it is possible to overcome these difficulties with the right approach and by working with experienced professionals.
