Flat block insurance - water leak claim

snezhinskproject

Hi, I am looking for any guidance anyone might have on a looming problem insurance claim.

I live in a block of flats, with the usual block insurance policy maintained by the management company. Unfortunately the policy excess is £750, the legacy of so many water damage claims in the block.

My flat has wood-effect laminate running continuously through the integrated kitchen/living room and hallway (the two bedrooms are carpeted).

3 months ago I had a leak from my washing machine which damaged the laminate in the kitchen. We caught it pretty quickly and got the water off and the boards up very quickly, so the only damage is to half of the kitchen laminate boards.

However, we can't locate the same model of laminate, which requires replacing all of the laminate throughout the kitchen, living room and hallway.

The two quotes I have are around £2,200. Less the excess, the insurer is looking at a £1,450 bill.

The insurer has sent in the loss adjuster. He warned me that the insurer will try to settle for a proportionate contribution only for the damaged area (i.e. not the living room and hallway).

That to me sounds like a standard insurer "palm off" (along with delaying this process by two months in the hope I might give up).

I haven't had any formal offer (or even actual communication) from the insurer yet, other than sending the loss adjuster in. But I would be grateful if anyone has any tips on approach, key things to watch out for in the insurance policy etc., as I think the insurer will make this as difficult and prolonged as it can.

lisyloo

Have you looked at what your insurance policy says about it? It's not an unknown problem e.g. Matching kitchen units, so the first thing I'd be doing is reading the policy.

If you've got time on your hands I'd also check for precedent in previous cases with the ombudsman. Having something to hand to point out to your insurer could shorten the process when you indicate you know your rights.

If you have a garage or storage space then next time it's worth buying some extra laminate. Difficult of course if you live in a tiny flat.

FutureGirl

As with most insurance policies they only cover you for what has been damaged. If the policy has matching items cover (which usually only the elite / Plus policies do) then you should get all matching floor done under the claim.

The FOS give guidelines that the insurer should settle for 100% of the damaged, and then 50% of the undamaged.