Help Claiming for bath and sink on house insurance

roosmum

Hi Hubby put hammer off top of bathroom cabinet which has fell and chipped the edge of bath and somehow hit the bottle of calpol which has broken a large hole in the sink. I've sent pics to the insurance company and they are planning to send out an inspector. Thing is my bathroom suite is blue and the insurance company want to replace the bath and sink with another blue bath and sink. I have phoned a company as directed by the insurance people and I can get these replaced in blue but cannot get the cast iron bath in blue which is what I have. I was planning on changing the suite next year and so I don't want a new blue bath and sink as it would be a waste.
1. As my insurance is new for old am I entitled to a replacement steel bath?
2. Are the insurance company likely to give me a settlement check or arrange payment for the bath and sink?
3. Do inspectors always come out and what are they looking for?
4. As I laid new vinyl less than a month ago can I claim for this as the new bath and sink are unlikely to match the holes of the old ones?
5. How long is it likely to take to sort out as it is my only sink and I have a three year old sticking his fingers in it?

Sorry for list of questions, Thanks

TSx

roosmum wrote: »

Hi Hubby put hammer off top of bathroom cabinet which has fell and chipped the edge of bath and somehow hit the bottle of calpol which has broken a large hole in the sink. I've sent pics to the insurance company and they are planning to send out an inspector. Thing is my bathroom suite is blue and the insurance company want to replace the bath and sink with another blue bath and sink. I have phoned a company as directed by the insurance people and I can get these replaced in blue but cannot get the cast iron bath in blue which is what I have. I was planning on changing the suite next year and so I don't want a new blue bath and sink as it would be a waste.
1. As my insurance is new for old am I entitled to a replacement steel bath?

I would say yes, you are entitled to be put back in the same position as before

2. Are the insurance company likely to give me a settlement check or arrange payment for the bath and sink?

different insurers do things differently, they may ask you to get quotes or they may appoint their own contractor

3. Do inspectors always come out and what are they looking for?

Not always, they are most likely checking the circumstances match up - hate to say it but there's a couple of things you mention which may indicate a possible fraudulent claim - multiple points of damage, the fact you were intending on replacing the suite anyway. Don't worry, if it's genuine, just stick to what you know and don't be tempted to try and second guess things if they ask you something you don't know the answer to.

4. As I laid new vinyl less than a month ago can I claim for this as the new bath and sink are unlikely to match the holes of the old ones?

Generally speaking, it's unlikely, if the flooring's undamaged then they're unlikely to replace it. It may be worth arguing the point, but I'm not sure how successful you'll be

5. How long is it likely to take to sort out as it is my only sink and I have a three year old sticking his fingers in it?

Unfortunately, no-one here will be able to answer this one. If it's a straightforward claim and the insurers appoint a supplier to replace it, then often that supplier will be able to arrange directly with you which can be very quick. If quotes are required or they are waiting for reports, it can take longer.

jonnyd281

How big is the chip in the bath enamel - you might be able to get the enamel coating repaired, which means only the sink would require changing.

pvt

Aren't you planning to claim for the bottle of Calpol as well?

roosmum

jonnyd281 wrote: »

How big is the chip in the bath enamel - you might be able to get the enamel coating repaired, which means only the sink would require changing.

The chip isn't big, but its right through the enamel. Do you think I could get someone to enamel in blue? Cheers

roosmum

Actually the bottle didn't break!! Calpol is strong stuff

jonnyd281

roosmum wrote: »

The chip isn't big, but its right through the enamel. Do you think I could get someone to enamel in blue? Cheers

You should be able to, a quick google of enamel bath repairs produced a lot of uk results, I don't know how much it will cost though. (You can also get DIY kits)

roosmum

Hi, Thanks for everyones advice. The claim inspector came out today. She said that as the suite was of good quality we should claim for one of equal value (including a new cast iron bath). She advised that they would give us the money to replace the bath and sink with one of equal quality and pay for the refit of these two items. She also explained that although they would not cover the replacement of the vinyl, they would cover the cost of replacing two rows of bath tiles with the bath and sink refit. x