Home insurance claim?!!

Emsbems

Hi all

I am insured with dial direct for building and contents including accidental damage.

When painting my baby's room, my eldest got paint all over the carpet (we had dust sheets down but she got it stuck to her foot and so it moved, exposing the carpet!) in addition to that she managed to get a patch on my hallway carpet, small (from her foot) but it's bright pink paint on cream carpet so it's noticeable!

I have tried my best to clean it but to no avail. I've had 2 quotes and both said to get a matching colour I'd have to replace the bedroom, landing stairs and hallway (it's all one colour) at a cost of £500-600!!!!

I can't afford that so I checked and my home insurance excess is £150. Which is more manageable

But my question is, will it matter that I've tried to clean it? Should I have left it? Will they agree to replace the landing and stairs even though those bits are unaffected? And will I have to pay the carpet place first and then claim back off insurance? As I can't afford to do that

I've never claimed before but I heard of I ring up they will log it as a claim even if I don't go ahead so I'm asking here

Faith177

Emsbems wrote: »

Hi all

I am insured with dial direct for building and contents including accidental damage.

When painting my baby's room, my eldest got paint all over the carpet (we had dust sheets down but she got it stuck to her foot and so it moved, exposing the carpet!) in addition to that she managed to get a patch on my hallway carpet, small (from her foot) but it's bright pink paint on cream carpet so it's noticeable!

I have tried my best to clean it but to no avail. I've had 2 quotes and both said to get a matching colour I'd have to replace the bedroom, landing stairs and hallway (it's all one colour) at a cost of £500-600!!!!

I can't afford that so I checked and my home insurance excess is £150. Which is more manageable

But my question is, will it matter that I've tried to clean it? Should I have left it? Will they agree to replace the landing and stairs even though those bits are unaffected? And will I have to pay the carpet place first and then claim back off insurance? As I can't afford to do that

I've never claimed before but I heard of I ring up they will log it as a claim even if I don't go ahead so I'm asking here

Depending on if you have matching cover they may only pay to replace the areas that are damage not the whole lot you may have to pay the extra if you want this to be done.

Don't forget your insurance will go up for the next 5 years due to the claim so it's not only your excess you need to think about but your future policies too. Try running through some dummy quotes online with the claim (don't use your name or dob) to see what the impact going forward may be

It shouldn't matter too much if you have tried to clean it just take some photos now before you do anything further. They may want to take a look before you get the carpet replaced and they may have a supplier who will source the carpet on their behalf so best to speak to them before arranging the replacement

paddyandstumpy

Dial Direct don't offer matching sets cover. However, there has been a FOS decision in the past which has set a precedent, unless the product covers matching sets; Insurers should make a 50% contribution towards replacing undamaged items in the set. The door threshold normally defines the rooms (i.e what for the room they will cover in full).

The insurer will pay the carpet fitter directly, there is no requirement for you to pay and claim back.

As previously mentioned you need to consider the 5 year impact of making an insignificant claim.

FutureGirl

You can claim. The fact you tried to clean it is a good thing, not bad.

If you claim, and the insurer has a flooring supplier they will send the supplier round to see if they can clean it. If not, then they'll replace the damaged carpets.

If they don't have a supplier they will ask you for quotes and they'll pay you the cash minus you're excess.

If you want the undamaged carpets replaced, then you'll have to pay 50% of the cost to replace undamaged ones.