Urgent Insurance Help Needed Following Burglary

Boca_Seniors

Hi,

My house was broken into earlier this week, and we are having problems with the insurance company.

Our door (which was smashed to pieces) has been secured, but the insurance company wont send anyone out until next Friday to assess the damage, and sort out a replacement (which I imagine wont happen until the week after). :mad:

The door has been screwed into the frame to secure it, and we cannot open it. This concerns me greatly, as is a significant fire hazard. We have two young children (who are now a number of presents down for Xmas), and if anything ever happened that prevented us from getting to the back door, we would have a big problem getting out of the house.

I've explained the situation to the insurers, but they don't seem bothered about this. I'm not bothered about the items that were taken (as they are replaceable), but our children's safety is a big concern.

I've asked them if I can get the door replaced, and then claim back through the insurance, but they said that it isn't possible, because they might not authorise the company I use.

Is there anything we can do to speed up the process, or anyone else we can speak to?

Thanks

sophiesmum_2

Try contacting your local fire brigade, they usually have a fire safety officer who could come out and have a look. Tell him your concerns and see if they might phone the insurance company on your behalf as it is a health and safety issue/fire hazzard.Other than that I would just keep pestering the insurance company.

sophiesmum

Mary_Ellen

Which Insurance company is it??

Have you rung back & asked to speak to a line manager/supervisor?

Ask who they use-you could offer to use them ,but might find their charges siginificantly higher than a local contractor. Put your argument reasonably but firmly, and don't give up. If reaonable & firm doesnt work, tell them you may refer to Insurance Ombudsman service & local press.

Good luck!!!

Serialdieter

Boca_Seniors wrote:

I've asked them if I can get the door replaced, and then claim back through the insurance, but they said that it isn't possible, because they might not authorise the company I use.
Thanks

I'd give them a ring and ask which company they recommend and offer to use them. Personally I wouldn't be happy only having one exit either. I agree with PP as fire brigade's opinion, it may then carry more weight with the insurers.

Sorry to hear about the burglary.

Boca_Seniors

Thanks for your replies.


It's paymentshield that we use. I've asked about going through their recommended company, but they have to send someone out from Cunningham Lindsey (??) to assess the damage first, so that's a no go.

They said they would put it down as a priority, and we get a date of next Friday. I wouldn't care to think how long low-priority cases take.

chirpy007

Unbelieveable !!!!! l hate insurance companies. worth a try with the Fire Service but dont hold your breath. I work for local government and when we were on the third floor l asked about a fire escape as we only have one door in and out for us and the general public. The fire service passed the building saying we could climb out on the ledge and wait to be rescued !!!!! that put my mind at rest.

Good luck, you have had an awful experience and they shouldnt be adding to your stress

wonder-woman_7

hi - have you contacted the insurance ombundsmands as they were very helpful to us in a similar situation. i don't have their telephone number but if you phone your insurance company and ask them for the insurance ombundsman telephone number (they have to give it to you)!

see if that helps!
rgds