Emergency home repair - bad credit

NeedsACoffee_2

Hi
First post.

I'm a single parent, working full time and have a mortgage and don't have any savings. My credit record ought to be fine, all bills are paid on time, but I have a default of £19 ( I've paid it and am trying to negotiate with the company to get it removed, since this tiny amount is ruining my credit rating!).

Anyway, I woke up the other morning to find bits of my chimney on the floor. I've had someone out to look at it, they've told me in no uncertain terms that its unsafe and quoted around £1000 to rebuild it.

I haven't got £1000 and no idea where to find the money quickly. Pretty sure my bank won't touch me with this default and no one in my family has a spare grand hanging around so was hoping someone had any ideas? I've never needed to apply for a loan before but it looks like I may have to.

Apples2

Have you tried your buildings insurance?

c85

could this possibly be covered under your home buildings insurance? its worth a check i guess.. if so im sure your excess would be cheaper than £1000? i know it will go against you on renewal as a claim but in the short term would help your problem? in the long term im sure your premiums wouldnt go up too much.

NeedsACoffee_2

Thanks, I'll give them a call. I bought the house 3 years ago and have had to spend a fortune fixing it up ( which is why I'm penniless now!). The previous owner wasn't very good at looking after the place so I assumed the insurance company would tell me it was wear and tear or poor maintenance ( which would be true) and wouldn't cover it.
But I guess it's at least worth a try!

smartpicture

I would start by getting another couple of quotes to make sure the £1000 is reasonable.