Huge neighbours house fire has impacted our home - Help !

Quentin

You would have to pay your own assessor

But as the adjuster is coming tomorrow maybe wait till after the meeting to see how you feel about them

Do put your concerns over the state of the house to them regarding temp accommodation as it may take time to get this sorted.

In the meantime ask about hotel accommodation.

Do some research on budget and axa so you are prepared!

TSx

The insurers wouldn't pay for your assessor and from previous dealings, they tend to charge around 10-15% of any payout.

They will pay for your adjuster, and whilst they are paid for by the insurer, they should be none-biased and will look to settle the claim in accordance with the policy wording.

An assessor will argue they can get you a better deal - however you would save a fortune by coming on here and asking when you have.questions. I can also say that having an assessor involved will likely increase the duration of the claim - as there is an extra step for everything to go through.

Quentin

TSx wrote: »

.......An assessor will argue they can get you a better deal - .... I can also say that having an assessor involved will likely increase the duration of the claim - as there is an extra step for everything to go through.

When posting in this vein it would be fairer to point out your vested interest in the topic (ie that you are employed by an insurer)


(Insurers will always tell policyholders no need for your own assessor (Makes you wonder why they exist!!)

TSx

Quentin wrote: »

When posting in this vein it would be fairer to point out your vested interest in the topic (ie that you are employed by an insurer)


(Insurers will always tell policyholders no need for your own assessor (Makes you wonder why they exist!!)

Fair point - I can only post from my point of view working for an insurer - and the fact I've rarely seen an assessor add value to a claim (not always though - Aspray sent through a claim recently which I came across on an audit and as their costs were reasonable, and they supplied everything we needed - and as such they actually aided the claim. That is very rare though!). Buildings assessors make more sense as they will often take their fees from the building settlement without it affecting you.

For contents, a loss assessor is perfectly reasonable if you're happy to pay for someone to manage the claim for you - but given the amount of money it costs, the MSE approach would surely be to deal with the claim yourself. Reading the policy wording and using the financial ombudsman website will usually be enough to know what you're entitled to.

therealhyper

Update

The assessors who are managing the claim on behalf of the insurance company are being very, very difficult.

They refused to to pay for the assessors I have on board. (Update have later stated they will pay but a reasonble amount..which is ??)


They have suggested a cash payout, but this wouldnt even cover the cost of the scaffolding. When I mentioned this, I was told, they would try to use our neighbours scaffolding!! How?? there scaffolding is attached to thier house for there work to proceed.

The way they have come across suggests they want to do a quick bodge job and leave. Which is why it is even more important, I feel, to have someone on board who is making sure I am not conned !

This fire was not caused by me. It was caused by 3rd party..so not sure why I am being treated like a fool!

I am a little unsure of how to proceed, except contact a solictor 1st thing in the morning.

My house is still empty, damaged, and risk of further damage due to weather, birds building nest inside..etc etc.

Any suggestions how should I procced ?

daveyjp

Don't rush anything at this stage.

You will be out of your home for potentially 6-12 months, so it is important at this point to get everything right in terms of who is doing what and when.

My sister had a house fire and the first company involved were useless, fortunately my sister worked for an insurance company so knew the procedure inside out. She sorted her own rep and after that evrything went smoothly.

geri1965_2

They will treat you the same regardless of the cause of the fire.

People have already told you that they won't pay for an assessor. The policy does not provide cover for assessors, they don't fall into any of the categories in the wording you quoted.

It also states that those costs will only be covered if they consent to them.

therealhyper

Hi,
Some have said this, but most (including some I have spoken to) said insurance cover costs include legal fees / engineer / survery / etc fees. This is normal and not something I have made up.

In fact the surveyor who came out to inspect the house said they would, normally 10% of the claim.

Quentin

In fairness everyone here has told you that you pay for your own assessor. Which is correct.

From what you say it looks a worthwhile investment

TSx

Most policies will exclude costs involved in the 'preparation of a claim' which is what this is.

The policy will cover fees directly connected to the claim - for example, should a surveyor be required as part of the reinstatement (for example issues with a party wall) then the insurer will pay for it.

It seems strange that they would try to get you to use the neighbours scaffolding unless they'd already agreed with the neighbour.

First step would be a complaint to your insurer if you don't feel they are treating you fairly (I'd make it verbally, but be clear it is a complaint).