Storms have damage my house but cannot get through to claims dept! Help

tungsten_2

I have cover with Paymentshield.

To cut the story short this was my day -

Son went into hospital for operation (Succesful I might add)

On the way home I got a call that my houses Chimney had been damaged and it had inturn extensivley damaged the roof.

The roof has a small hole in it now as I went into the loft to check for damage.

I got in at 6pm at night and paymentshields contact numbers were either engaged, warning about high demand or couldnt deal with my claim as the policy was took out over a year ago (still covered) butcouldnt be dealt with that claims line.

I know the storms certainly would effect the insurance claim departments and I will phone them first thing they open 8am.

I am temped to get a local builder out to make the roof water tight and then claim for those emergency repairs on the building and contents insurance.

What do people think? I would appreciate the advice.

Adam

Btw the numbers I tried for Payment shield:
0870 7594000 - Said high demand and call was dropped automatically.
0845 6011060 - said line was for new business from 2006 only
0845 6011050 - was engaged.
0845 759 4020 - Website said use this number but was dead

Ms_Chocaholic

Unsure what cover you have with Paymentshield so please clarify.

When our roof was damaged by strong winds in January 2005, we were away at the time and family members who live close by arranged for a builder to come round and make the roof watertight and ensure the surrounding area was safe (ie moved roof tiles that were precariously dangling over the edge of the roof so didn't damage other things like cars/people). I claimed the cost of the emergency repairs and full repairs of roof on buildings insurance.

It may be useful to take some photographs of the damage ... not all insurers come round to assess the damage and will sometimes accept photos as proof (mine did).

tungsten_2

Thats for the quick reply.

We are covered for Buildings and Contents insurance and the expiry date is 5th April 2007.

Building Cover £300000 and Contents 40000 (Probably over insured tbh)

I have just found on the Insurance Certificate the actual cover is covered by a Hamilton Insurance Company Limited (An avenue I make take this morning). Paymentshield is a regulary used B&C insurance company by Mortgage Brokers.

Happy_Bunny_6

Our roof was damaged a few years ago in similar storms,

It had to be repaired so I had the work done and sent the actual invoice in to the insurance company.

They sent a cheque back within a couple weeks, that was NFU

Astaroth

You should certainly get emergency works conducted to prevent any further damage - there is always a certain risk in doing it and no insurer will give you the assurance that they will pay it back in full as you may agree a £5,000 call out fee and £1,000 an hour labour rate but as long as the bill is sensible there should be no issues.

Getting photos of the damage and an estimate as well as the invoice would help support your case but obviously dont put yourself in danger trying to get snaps