HELP Please - Insurance Claim

nilsatisopt

Just returned from a week away and opened the front door to discover 3 inches of water throughout the house and ceilings fallen in. It appears I've had a burst pipe in the loft - the house is a mess to say the least. Salvaged what I can and returned to my mums. Contacted the insurance co who explained that I was covered for buildings and contents but not for the defect ( presume they mean the pipes inthe loft) they would pass on my claim to a claims handling co ( Cunningham lindsey) who promptly contacted me - they suggested I get a local plumber and spark to get the water and electricity back on so they can instruct a company to begin the drying out process etc .

Will I be responsible for the plumber and sparks bills ? Taking on board what the insurance people advised re them not being responsible for the actual fault ..

Thanks for any advice

Ps my insurers are Abby

Quentin

nilsatisopt wrote: »

.....Will I be responsible for the plumber and sparks bills ? Taking on board what the insurance people advised re them not being responsible for the actual fault ..

Yes .

nilsatisopt

Quentin wrote: »

Yes .

Thanks - but could i not argue that the fault arose from the burst pipe (therefore accept liability for Plumbers costs) but due to flood the electrics have gone which would come under buildings insurance etc . As the electrics were damaged due to the leak - as was the rest of the contents etc

Quentin

Check your policy, and if you are covered then get back on to your insurer and point this out to them.

bouncydog1

nilsatisopt wrote: »

Thanks - but could i not argue that the fault arose from the burst pipe (therefore accept liability for Plumbers costs) but due to flood the electrics have gone which would come under buildings insurance etc . As the electrics were damaged due to the leak - as was the rest of the contents etc

Cause of the damage was escape of water, so would expect the policy to pay for the damage but not the cost of repairing the burst pipes. Would definately argue that the damage to the electrics was caused by the flood.

I would ring them again and ask if you can call in any electrician or alternatively ask to be put in touch with the adjusters and let them deal with the claim.

hugoshavez

nilsatisopt wrote: »

Just returned from a week away and opened the front door to discover 3 inches of water throughout the house and ceilings fallen in. It appears I've had a burst pipe in the loft - the house is a mess to say the least. Salvaged what I can and returned to my mums. Contacted the insurance co who explained that I was covered for buildings and contents but not for the defect ( presume they mean the pipes inthe loft) they would pass on my claim to a claims handling co ( Cunningham lindsey) who promptly contacted me - they suggested I get a local plumber and spark to get the water and electricity back on so they can instruct a company to begin the drying out process etc .

Will I be responsible for the plumber and sparks bills ? Taking on board what the insurance people advised re them not being responsible for the actual fault ..

Thanks for any advice

Ps my insurers are Abby

1. Do you know the pipe has burst? If so the cost of this repair may be covered, check the buildings perils.
2. Keep the electrician's invoice - don't let him do anything major (above £2-300) before getting it ok'd by CL
3. I'd ask CL to instruct a drying co right away - they may not bring drying equipment the first time.
4. I'd also be pushing to get someone from CL out sooner rather than later, given the amount of damage you've described
5. You sound pretty calm for a burst claimant; are you sure you haven't engineered this claim?;)

mikey72

hugoshavez wrote: »

5. You sound pretty calm for a burst claimant; are you sure you haven't engineered this claim?;)

What are you expecting?

A "running around screaming" smiley.

Last insurance job I did for a major burst, all the making safe was paid for by the insurer, then changing all the sockets, light fittings etc at a later date when everything had dried out.

Usually everything but joining the pipe back together is paid for, so you should normally only have to pay the plumbers initial bill.

somalt

Generally, the insurers aren't responsible for fixing the leak because it isn't the result of an insured event, (stuff like pipes corroding etc)

I note that you said you've just got back from a week away and the pipes were in the loft. It's worth getting your plumber to confirm what has caused the leak. Also check if your policy includes frost damage to pipes. If the pipe froze and you do have the cover then your insurers should meet the cost of fixing the pipe too.

With the kind of low temperatures we've had last week, it may be due to freezing, especially in a loft. It may also be worth either taking pictures of the pipe or keeping it.

You should also ask the loss adjuster about arranging alternative accommodation, if you do want to stay at your mum's then they should consider an inconvenience payment instead.

hugoshavez

mikey72 wrote: »

A "running around screaming" smiley.

There must be one??

nilsatisopt

Thanks so much guys for all your advice - really appreciate it ..

Chemdry turned up yesterday and were brilliant - they will sort all electrics etc - full re wiring etc before they can initiate the drying out process ( at least a month they told me )

I have to stay calm hugo otherwise I would lose my mind , I have a pretty stressfull job so at the end of the day nobody has died and fingers crossed everything will be as it was - dont think any of the teles dvd s cinema unit etc have been damaged so its more the carpets walls flooring. Think we will be able to salvage the furniture couch and dining room table and chairs - the kitchen and bathrooms are mainly granite so that should survive ..

Have a meeting with the loss adjuster tomos so will no more then but thanks agian guys for all the advice / help you have been a real comfort

:T

bouncydog1

Having been in a very similar situation many years ago, and living in a bungalow it took a while longer than a month to get everything dried out properly, as the water had soaked into the plaster and up the walls. The worst thing was the smell of everything drying out.

Highlight was having to put wellies on to go to the bathroom in the night!

I think you have the best attitude - what's done is done, you're insured and nobody has been injured. And at the end of the day you will have an almost brand new house to look forward to! If you get into disagreement with the loss adjusters, then post back on here and people will help.