Change of insurance underwriters

borosean

My elderly parents are covered for building insurance through Ageconcern and have been for the last 5 years or so.
They made an insurance claim approximately 3 years ago to repair a leaking conservatory roof which was duely "repaired" by a builder recommended by the insurance company. Since then, the roof has continued to leak and has resulted in damage to the interior and contents.
However, Ageconcern are now refusing to accept any further claims, stating that they have changed their underwriters to Fortis, who now refuse to accept responsibility and state that it is the responsibility of the previous underwriters(?)
Can someone please offer some guidance because, as far as I'm concerned, it looks as though it is an insurance company trying to fob off an elderly couple!

bouncydog1

As the leak was not satisfactorily repaired in the first place then the damage remains part of the original claim, which is why the new underwriters are refusing to assist.

What has happened since the leak was repaired - have your parents complained to the builder that undertook the repair and also to the insurers? If they have done nothing then I think it will be difficult to do anything about it now - however if they have told the original insurers that the repair was not satisfactory they I believe that they can still go back to the original insurers insisting that it is put right.

I'm sure somebody with more knowledge on buildings claims will be along to advise in more detail.

borosean

Thanks for the post, yes, my parents have complained to both the insurance company and the builder.
The builder has been out on a couple of occasions to rectify the problem but has now washed his hands of the situation and is refusing to help.
The insurance company are now trying to dodge the claim as stated previously.