Claiming for a ceiling that has water damage

nc35

Hi All

A quick question on behalf of my elderly Mum & Dad.

At some point the flat roof on the bedroom extension has been letting water through.

This week part of the ceiling has come through because of this.

Took some persuading, but finally got them to call the Insurance broker.

Result an undefiable "No you are not covered, just wear and tear"

Is this can this be right, before I call the broker myself???

Thanking you all in anticipation.

Faith177

If the water has been seeping in over a period of time the insurance company will class this as wear & tear.

Insurance only covers you for a one off incident for example strong wind blows tiles of the roof

InsideInsurance

Just to make absolutely sure, presumably this is for their Home insurance and not for some form of warranty they bought/ got when the flat room was installed?

Home insurance will not cover it because, as has been said, there needs to be a single event and the cause of that event needs to be an insured peril (eg Storm).

From what you say it is a simple maintenance issue, flat roofs dont last forever and what you have is an insurance policy not a maintenance policy

dacouch

Do they have Accidental Damage Cover

nc35

Thank you all for your helpful advice.

Yes they do have accidental damage cover.

The damage was "probably" caused by the roofer who maintains the main pitched roof. Part of a maintenance contract.

The maintenance firm is currently replacing the whole of the flat roof under their agreement. They think because this flat roof was used to get onto the pitched roof the footfall and weight "may have" caused the premature failure.

Though they accept no liability for the damage inside. Just wondering if a carefully worded letter by the maintenance company to the insurers would be helpful?

Seems crazy on one hand that they are not covered by anyone.

Quentin

Although they accept no liability for the consequential damage they agree they have caused, they are liable! Their use of the flatroof looks to be negligent.

Claim against them for the costs involved.

TSx

Their letter wouldn't help at all as the insurers will exclude damage caused by faulty workmanship unfortunately (although Quentin's advice above is useful - if you have a legal helpline on the policy, give them a call)

Ch1ckenlady

If your parents have accidental damage cover on buildings, the internal damage (decor etc) would be covered assuming the ingress has not occured over a period of time.

Once you've priced the job up (split the cost between external and internal reinstatement), assuming it's worth it for the internal aspect (taking into account probable increase in premium next year by making the claim and excess), speak to insurers.

If you do make register a claim, make sure that you give the insurers the opportunity to inspect the damage before proceeding with the work but at the same time, they will expect you to mitigate your loss so protect the roof to avoid further ingress. If you need to carry out repairs though, take pictures first.

rs65

TSx wrote: »

Their letter wouldn't help at all as the insurers will exclude damage caused by faulty workmanship unfortunately

Its not workmanship that's caused it - it is a clumsy workman. Should be a claim under their PL insurance.