Home Insurance Claim

petunia100

We had a leak and made a claim on our insurance. The insurance company asked to see a quote, we got one from a local builder. We've since found out that a work collegue had a bad experience with them.

We've now been told by the insurer that the cheque will be made payable to the builder. I have two problems with this one that I no longer want to use that builder and two I always like to withold part of the payment to ensure that the work is done properly. Also the builder wants 30% up front which I cannot afford at the moment, so I would have to pay the builder all the money with the insurance cheque before work began.

The last time I made a claim (which was several years ago) we were paid the money direct.

Can they force us to accept the money this way?

petunia100

Anyone ?????

StephenMarsh

Get another quote from another builder if its cheaper or same price im sure the inurers wont have any issue with it. As for your with holding payment thats not going to happen but as its your insurers footing the bill its not much of an issue is it ?

geri1965_2

Usually the insurer will only pay a builder direct if they have authorised the work. No insurer with any sense will pay any money upfront, and they shouldn't pay him anyway unless they have a signed satisfaction note from you.

I think you need to speak to your insurer and tell them your concerns. I assume the go ahead has not yet been given?

petunia100

StephenMarsh wrote: »

Get another quote from another builder if its cheaper or same price im sure the inurers wont have any issue with it. As for your with holding payment thats not going to happen but as its your insurers footing the bill its not much of an issue is it ?

The issue is that if the work is not done properly we have no leverage to get it rectified.

petunia100

geri1965 wrote: »

Usually the insurer will only pay a builder direct if they have authorised the work. No insurer with any sense will pay any money upfront, and they shouldn't pay him anyway unless they have a signed satisfaction note from you.

I think you need to speak to your insurer and tell them your concerns. I assume the go ahead has not yet been given?

The go ahead has been given and they are sending me a full cheque but made payable to the builder.

geri1965_2

Well, hang on to the cheque until you are happy with the work. Tell him you are not paying any money up front and he will either have to like it or lump it.