We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
1st ever claim. Advice on procedure
Options

Peggybabcot
Posts: 290 Forumite

Hello last night our dishwasher flooded our entire ground floor which has laminate flooring. It's totally wrecked and the insurance company are sending out an assessor on Thursday but I have no idea what happens then. I know the excess is £350 but who do we pay that to or do they quote a figure and deduct the excess? Do we have to replace the damaged flooring with laminate or could we pay any extra if applicable and have it tiled? Lots of questions I know but after 24 years living together this is the first time we've ever had to make a claim. Many thanks and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Grocery challenge June 2016
£500/£516.04
Grocery challenge July 2016
£500/£503.73
£500/£516.04
Grocery challenge July 2016
£500/£503.73
0
Comments
-
It depends on the insurer. Many will get their own contractor to do it - in which case you will either settle up with the contractor direct or pay the insurer.
Using the insurer's contractor rather than arranging it yourself is usually preferable for you because if they get it wrong you can complain to the insurer about it.0 -
If they appoint a supplier, you pay the excess to the supplier. If they settle by cash/ cheque etc then they deduct the excess from the settlement figure.
Upgrades may be possible if a supplier is appointed with you paying the excess and the upgrade cost but in my personal (rather than professional) experience it wasnt cost effective to do it as the companies appointed are never the cheapest and they dont pass on the discount the insurer gets. The twice it happened to me it was better to ask for a cash settlement, which is lower due to preferential rates, but then get your own chaps to do it.0 -
InsideInsurer is correct.
I had flooding in my house a few years back - it ruined the carpet and underlay in my living room. I wanted laminate rather than carpet (as I'm asthmatic) I was able to agree with the insurers that they would pay me a cash settlement (cost of materials and work less excess) I was then able to find a small, independent contractor to actually do my new floor.
They would have been able to lay laminate for me and charge me for the difference but having got a couple of quotes it worked out better for me to get the cash and arrange it myself than to go through them.All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 351K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards