Building insurance claim advice

Slider8

Hi all,

First post, and thanks to anyone who take the time to read and/or reply.

A few questions concerning my ongoing kitchen/hall claim, leak from upstairs;

Is it normal/allowable for a loss adjuster to a agree a full cash settlement figure, say the cheques on its way, days later say it must be lost in the xmas post, and the a month later upon chasing it up the insurance company refuse a cash settlement? Is a total cash settlement offer not a contract?

Loss adjuster appointed by insurance, loss adjusters own contractor quoted for works, cash settlement negotiated based on Vat loss unless invoiced, and my agreement that i would not need to be relocated due to the work being carried out in my timeframe by my contractors.

Insurance company only paying half up front, is this normal?

Can i insist on full payment? The manner in which they are making payment is restricting the work.

Would it be advisable to consider appointing my own loss assessor? I have one due out this week.

Thanks to all for any help

Slider8

Just to add, if in considering selling my property, rather than have the repair work done am i not within my rights to be indemnified for the reduction in property value should i choose?
The insurance company seem to have an issue with trusting me to carry out the work, which is insulting enough. I was under the impression my insurance covered me for the indisputable loss ive suffered

TSx

If selling your property you are entitled to the loss in value (which will be different to the cost to put the works right) - although these type of claims can get very confusing.

The insurance company can rescind an offer prior to payment - but they should be giving you a good reason.

A loss assessor may help, but unless you're going to ask them to do the work, you're likely to lose 10%-20% of you settlement.

Far easier would be making a formal complaint to the insurer, and then going to the ombudsman if you are not satisfied. If the property is uninhabitable (no cooking/bathing facilities) then remind them you expect them to put you in alternative accommodation until resolved. That may well speed things up.

Slider8

Thanks for the reply.

There reason for refusing to pay out seems to be that they dont have proof the work will be carried out, which as i said is extremely insulting. They also claim they do not do cash settlements.

Ive contacted the insurance broker, even they have advised the insurance company to settle fully. I may have to consider the OM.

The loss assessor ive considered has indicated that they could force a greater cash settlement which would more than cover their costs. They would say that though wouldnt they.

I just cant understand how, if the insurance company appoint a loss assessor, who assesss the damage, who then appoints his own contractor to draw up the scope of works and quote, and i then agree to reduce the total claim in order to conclude the claim swiftly, how can the insurance company possibly refuse to then pay me? Its all been entitled based on their own assessments.

xMonsoonx

Slider8 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.
The loss assessor ive considered has indicated that they could force a greater cash settlement which would more than cover their costs. They would say that though wouldnt they.

:rotfl: NOT A CHANCE! :rotfl:


Process the complaint, set out the outcome you want as a resolution and send (or resend) copies of the quotes you have obtained to the insurer in case the adjuster has not passed them on to the insurer.

Some insurers will initially cash settle claims net of vat and then settle the vat when presented with a final invoice if the company has a valid vat number.

TSx

If you have a settlement offer and an assessor says their involvement will increase the offer, ask them to make their fee a percentage of any increase in the offer beyond the original figure. Even at 50% you're still going to be quids in.

Slider8

As i said, they would say that, wouldnt they.

The outcome should be simply, i was offered a full cash settlement and thats now what i expect. I was told payment was literally on its way; as far as i can see its pretty straight forward from there.

I even allowed the loss adjusters own contractors to quote me for the work; so theres no doubting the work or the figures involved. It seems someone just isnt happy that my own guys will do the work, at a time suitable to me.

On the advice of a very friendly chap on here, a claim handler will be taking the case up for me. They are more than confident of the outcome.

Slider8

xMonsoonx wrote: »

:rotfl: NOT A CHANCE! :rotfl:


Process the complaint, set out the outcome you want as a resolution and send (or resend) copies of the quotes you have obtained to the insurer in case the adjuster has not passed them on to the insurer.

Some insurers will initially cash settle claims net of vat and then settle the vat when presented with a final invoice if the company has a valid vat number.

Please see above, slight error when quoting you earlier, sorry

Slider8

TSx wrote: »

If you have a settlement offer and an assessor says their involvement will increase the offer, ask them to make their fee a percentage of any increase in the offer beyond the original figure. Even at 50% you're still going to be quids in.

Im instructing a claims handler on my behalf in order to the get outcome i feel im entitled to. If necessary, it will go all the way to the FO. Id rather let a professional deal with at my insurance company and indeed their appointed loss adjusters, seem to think they can say and do anything and it will never be questioned. For example, telling me that they under no circumstances make cash settlements. Or that my insurance company doesnt cover the cost in property market value reduction. Or my favourite; that my cheque has been held up in the christmas post.....