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Home Insurance claim *long*

5 replies

AtopAHighHill · 12/05/2020 18:47

Hi all.
We were getting work done on our house at the end of March and the contractor caused a major fire (drilling in the loft.) Fire service came, thankfully no one was hurt. We ended up with the loft burnt out, 2 huge holes in the roof, holes in the upstairs ceilings, carpets ruined etc.
The contractor firm admitted full liability but advised us with the covid19 that we would be quicker claiming on our home insurance and then their insurance would reimburse ours. Reason being that our insurance would have contractors available etc.
Our contractor did manage to put temporary repairs on the roof (plastic sheeting fixed with wood battens) but that was it. We had to stay in the house due to the lock down.
We claimed on our house insurance and all they have done is sent a cleaning team out which was pretty useless. No loss adjuster, surveyor etc has been out. Can't get any quotes for work as no firms in our area are taking on major works.
We sent a contents claim list to our insurer but they want to send the cleaners out again to see what can be salvaged etc - I get the impression they think we're being dishonest, obviously we're not.

Tbey have been really unhelpful with everything even though its a no fault claim.

Does anyone know if we'd be better just going direct to the contractors insurance and withdrawng the claim with our insurance? DSis suggested a loss assessor to help us but I don't know if that will just confuse things further.
At breaking point now.

OP posts:
AlwaysCheddar · 13/05/2020 07:06

Definitely use their insurance!

areallthenamesusedup · 13/05/2020 14:12

Claim in their insurance. Your premiums will go up a lot for years once you have made a claim. You will paying for this with increased premiums.

AtopAHighHill · 13/05/2020 16:14

Thanks all. I'll get in touch with the contractor now.

OP posts:
Greenkit · 17/05/2020 18:46

I think they are being cheeky and don't want to push their premiums up.

I bet they were going to pay as a "business interest" not through their insurance

AJPTaylor · 18/05/2020 22:25

If contents are involved it would be worth claiming those from your insurers. Reason being that your own insurance is likely new for old. Contractors insurers will pay what they are legally liable for which is to indemnify you: they will deduct for wear and tear.
In your circs I would tweet a complaint or email a complaint direct to the CEO of your insurance company. Might be tricky getting contractors in but sounds like no one is trying very hard.

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