Biborka and Charles Bellhouse Sue Zurich Insurance in £1 Million House Fire Dispute

A wealthy couple from London, Biborka Bellhouse and her husband Charles Bellhouse, are fighting a legal battle with Zurich Insurance after the company refused to pay over £1 million in rebuilding and contents costs following a house fire.

The fire broke out on December 29, 2022, at their £2 million home in Chiswick, west London. The house was under construction and being refurbished at the time. Thankfully, the couple and their children were not home during the blaze.

What Happened in the Fire?

The fire caused serious damage to the four-bedroom detached home. 60 firefighters and eight fire engines were sent to control the flames.

Zurich Insurance did cover some of the initial costs. They paid £16,000 for scaffolding and around £140,000 for temporary housing and furniture. But when it came to larger claims—like £600,000 for rebuilding the house and £475,000 for luxury watches and contents—Zurich refused to pay.

Luxury Watches at the Heart of the Dispute

The Bellhouses say that among the items lost were valuable designer watches, including a £187,000 Patek Philippe and multiple Rolex timepieces, insured for thousands. Only one watch was physically inside the house during the fire, but the couple argues that authentication documents and boxes were destroyed, reducing the value of the other watches.

Their lawyer claims this loss should still be covered under the policy.

Why Zurich Refused to Pay

Zurich says the couple failed to inform them about the planned extension and renovation, which they claim violated the insurance terms. According to Zurich’s legal team, the Bellhouses had said there would be no major works on the home within 12 months of buying the policy in May 2022. Since they were doing renovations when the fire happened, Zurich claims this was a “deliberate or reckless misrepresentation”.

Judge David Hodge noted that Zurich argues it would never have offered coverage if the planned works had been disclosed.

What the Bellhouses Want

The Bellhouses are suing Zurich in High Court for:

• A declaration that Zurich is obligated to pay

• £600,000 for rebuilding

• Additional scaffolding costs of £20,000

• Compensation for the watches

• £8,000 in therapy costs for psychological harm

They also want damages, interest, and court costs covered.

Zurich’s Counterclaim

Zurich isn’t just defending itself—it’s counter-suing. The company wants the Bellhouses to repay £169,507 already issued for temporary housing and other support, stating that the entire policy is invalid.

What’s Next?

The case has already seen two preliminary hearings. If no agreement is reached soon, it will move to a full trial in the coming months.