Buildings Insurance claim amount challenge

SpencerLWilson

Hi
Hoping someone can advise.
I have been offered a pay out on a home insurance claim, to repair damage caused by a burst hot water pipe from my kitchen sink.
The thing is, the exact same thing happened with my cold pipe about 18 months ago.
Although both incidents are exactly the same, the amount being offered to repair this time is a fraction of the first claim.
Can I, or how do I challenge this?
It is the same insurance company for both, so they'll have everything on record.
(Contents has been taken care of and I've accounted for this in both cases, the difference in offer is buildings claim only)


Any advice or insight gratefully received.

huckster

Each claim will be assessed individually.

If you believe the assessment is wrong and is incapable of allowing reinstatement of the damage, you get your own written assessments of the damage. This might be several quotes on company headed paper by trademan noting what work needs to be done and how much they are quoting. Then speak to your Insurers about the costs and they should come to an agreement with you, after seeing your quotes.

SpencerLWilson

Thanks Huckster
I'll go the tradesman route, as you suggest, to get a better idea.
I think also, where as on the first claim I had a loss adjuster assigned, this time around that hasn't happened.
They included removal of skirting board and specifically the damage, by way of having to re-decortate the walls - I don't think the insurance company have included the redecoration this time. Maybe this accounts for some of the difference in value of the claim.

FutureGirl

Are all the walls damaged? If you don't have 'matching' cover, the insurer will only pay the cost of reinstating what is actually damaged.

SpencerLWilson

Hi FutureGirl
Thanks for the input. It's true the walls aren't damaged yet, but they weren't last time either. The loss adjuster took into account that the walls would likely need painting/repair after the skirting boards were removed - which they did - and that is what hasn't been accounted for in this claim.


I guess if they do get damaged again on removal, that's when I'd need to raise this with the insurance company; sort of a second part of the same claim. Does that sound about right?