to make an insurance claim for this?

[Takeresponsibility]

A couple of weeks ago the heel of my boot went through the kitchen floor, making a hole in the lino and whatever is underneath (which appears to be chipboard). On investigation another area of the floor also appears to be damaged in that it feels lumpy under the lino and when tapped feels soft and doesn't have the same silid echo as the sound areas.

I can't smell any rotting wood or standing water but it feels like the flooring has got wet and swollen, then dried out. Nothing, as far as I know, has leaked in the three years I've had the house, but it could be historic damage. Some of the DIY in the house is slightly odd to say the least!

I have had buildings insurance since I first left home in 1985 but have never made a claim, so I am completely in the dark regarding what is reasonable and what steps to take first.

I'd get the builders in to assess the damage first and get some quotes against your insurance excess and the raise from making a claim. The builders will tell u if its worth claiming for as they r used to ppl making claims so they know what is covered etc. Otherwise find out what the actual damage is and cause then read the small print!

Make sure you have accidental damage cover and also the policy excess.

Also consider if it is worth making a claim, your premium next year will go up considerably. We made a claim for 3500 last year, our hallway was ruined cos a pipe burst upstairs and our premium nearly doubled. It was worth it for this amount.

Sounds a bit like dry rot

Thank you. I can't afford to have the buiders take the floor up to assess the damage without the insurance company agreeing to pay to have it replaced, but I assume the insurance company won't agree anything without knowing the level of the damage. Where do I go first?

You should be able to pull up the lino yourself to see what's underneath. Even if your kitchen cupboards have a plinth underneath covering the legs, these just pop off and can be replaced so you can find the edge of the lino.

And a builder shouldn't charge for quoting for a job - if he does, you can tell him to get stuffed find another builder

Check your policy for excesses before you do anything. My compulsory excess is £100 but there is an additional £250 for water damage claims. Also your NCD will be affected. Claiming for 'old' damage should not be an issue so long as you reported it as soon as you became aware of it.