DH and I recently moved into our new house. The removals company had previously done a removal for me, when I sold my flat and moved into DH's flat whilst we looked for a house to buy. A lot of my stuff went into storage with the removal company, and was stored with them for 6 years.
When we got it all back, a lot of items - matreses, bookcases, a massage couch, some soft toys - stank of damp and mould. We hoped thongs would dry out and freshen up, but they didn't so the whole lot had to be binned (the removal company took them). Total value is around £1500.
We submitted a claim, which the removers forwarded to their insurers. The insurers state that I had not requested insurance for the time the items were in storage (I don't know where that paperwork with the agreement us, and am still waiting for the removal company to send me a copy if it). On the basis that I was not insured, the insurers are offering to pay £40 per item/box totalling £280. They also said the removers are willing to make a good will payment.
Just had the email back. Removers also offering £280. I feel this is not nearly good enough. Assuming (and I still need clarification on this) that I was not insured, where do I stand? Do I have any legal comeback?
The damaged condition of the goods has not been contested.
Clearly this is the fault of the removal company who stored the goods.
Another unrelated (but I might be able to use it in an argument) is that the whole removal was awful - they packed things dreadfully (I complained with photos), they ripped a chair (again photos), they scratched new paintwork and then swore at DH when he complained.
Be really grateful for any thoughts!