Broken drain pipe, Insurance claim

AlexMac

I can't add much to the above, but I hope that your insurer will clarify soon what they are and are not prepared to cover;.

You already seem to be doing a lot more of the admin and running around on the claim than I would think reasonable, which, when the dust eventually settles on the claim, you might consider in your choice of insurers for this (shared?) freehold. In my last shared freehold, we used AVIVA, via a specialist broker. They were fantastic on our only two claims; one minor- a damaged wall, one more major; involving many thousands in repairs and alternative accommodation. In each case, all we did was report it and they took over the whole project, using and briefing their own contactors.

And even if you can't get back to that position, why do you seem so wedded to Dyno-rod? Their prices are sky high as they are just part (I presume) of a national marketing or franchising operation with big overheads?

When I called in Thames Water on a lesser blockage they sent their sub-contractor to jet the sewer... and because they advised it was within the freehold plot, the contarctor charged us... £70! A similar job by Dyno-rod would have cost hundreds.

And you don't even necessarily need a drain specialist. Excavating and repairing a pipe is something any decent builder could do for a few hundred?

So yes; try to keep it simple; I'm losing the deatil of houw many loss adjusters, agents and middlemen you seem to be involving, but if, as seems you are set on doing it yourself, get other quotes. It might be a lot cheaper than you think.

eddddy

TranceNRG wrote: »

If I make a claim and if it's not covered, will it still affect our premium in the future (if they have to spend time to investigate the problem)?

Yes.

In fact, just a phone call to your insurance can result in an incident being recorded - which might increase premiums.

See:
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/sep/30/insurance-query-higher-premiums
https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/claims-and-underwriting-exchange/

TranceNRG wrote: »

I filled out a claims form and sent it to the loss adjuster (spoke to him last week) along with the Dyno rod survey report and quote.

Who's agreed to pay the loss adjusters to deal with this? If it's the insurers, you've already got a claim against your policy.

TranceNRG wrote: »

Since the problem has been happening for a while, will the insurer not cover it based on the fact that this was an existing issue at the time insurance policy was taken? My broker went with a different insurance company this year (August).

The starting point is to see whether your policy covers this at all - as I mentioned previously.

If you were claiming under subsidence cover, the insurance companies might apportion the claim between them.

If you were claiming under accidental damage cover, that would (probably) be a sudden and unexpected event - so the previous insurer has no liability.

You need to read your policy to decide which (if any) cover is relevant.

eddddy

eddddy wrote: »

If you were claiming under subsidence cover, the insurance companies might apportion the claim between them.

... although a subsidence claim might 'blight' the property for many years, with huge increases in insurance premiums.

TranceNRG

AlexMac wrote: »

I can't add much to the above, but I hope that your insurer will clarify soon what they are and are not prepared to cover;.

You already seem to be doing a lot more of the admin and running around on the claim than I would think reasonable, which, when the dust eventually settles on the claim, you might consider in your choice of insurers for this (shared?) freehold. In my last shared freehold, we used AVIVA, via a specialist broker. They were fantastic on our only two claims; one minor- a damaged wall, one more major; involving many thousands in repairs and alternative accommodation. In each case, all we did was report it and they took over the whole project, using and briefing their own contactors.

And even if you can't get back to that position, why do you seem so wedded to Dyno-rod? Their prices are sky high as they are just part (I presume) of a national marketing or franchising operation with big overheads?

When I called in Thames Water on a lesser blockage they sent their sub-contractor to jet the sewer... and because they advised it was within the freehold plot, the contarctor charged us... £70! A similar job by Dyno-rod would have cost hundreds.

And you don't even necessarily need a drain specialist. Excavating and repairing a pipe is something any decent builder could do for a few hundred?

So yes; try to keep it simple; I'm losing the deatil of houw many loss adjusters, agents and middlemen you seem to be involving, but if, as seems you are set on doing it yourself, get other quotes. It might be a lot cheaper than you think.

I think you are being a bit harsh. This is the first time I've had to deal with a situation like this and my insurance broker (and the loss adjusters) so far haven't been of much help.

When I rang the loss adjusters again today they gave me the number for Libery insurance but when I rang the number no one answered!

I was told by loss adjuster to get 2 quotes hence I've rung a number of drain repair companies and forwarded the report from Dyno rod. One guy is coming tomorrow to use his camera and give a free quote.

I am not sure if you've looked at the report, but it seems at least one of the sections need descaling and used of machines not just replacing a pipe.

If we'll have to pay for this, obviously we'll try and get it fixed cheaper.

TranceNRG

eddddy wrote: »

Yes.

In fact, just a phone call to your insurance can result in an incident being recorded - which might increase premiums.

See:
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/sep/30/insurance-query-higher-premiums
https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/claims-and-underwriting-exchange/



Who's agreed to pay the loss adjusters to deal with this? If it's the insurers, you've already got a claim against your policy.



The starting point is to see whether your policy covers this at all - as I mentioned previously.

If you were claiming under subsidence cover, the insurance companies might apportion the claim between them.

If you were claiming under accidental damage cover, that would (probably) be a sudden and unexpected event - so the previous insurer has no liability.

You need to read your policy to decide which (if any) cover is relevant.

I've copy pasted the relevant section from the policy document. I am no lawyer and I don't know how they interpret this report so how can I tell if this will be covered or not?

Also I don't know if 'ground movement' was the sole reason for the damaged pipe. There's clear sign of root intrusion there.

I rang Liberty insurance but no one answered the phone! I will try them again tomorrow. When I emailed the loss adjuster with the claims form, I asked him to confirm that a reject claim won't affect my insurance premium. I will ring him tomorrow.

Edit - after reading that article, I am really worried now. I'll ring the broker again tomorrow (they really have been useless telling me to follow whatever the loss adjusters said and the guy said my premium won't be affected if a valid claim is not made)

I'm thinking that this won't be covered by insurance. Maybe I should ask in the insurance forum as you'd suggested.

TranceNRG

Another update

A guy from 'Only rods and hoses' came this morning and put his camera down the drains. He pretty much said what the Dyno rod guy said - have to do lining in the broken pipe and also do a local repair. He also said that the 2nd manhole/interceptor (chamber before joining the shared drain) was blocked and it's going to keep blocking due to the U trap and that it should be replaced with a straight pipe as the U trap is not necessary and that it causes blockages.

This is the same manhole that was blocked last week and cleared by Thames Water.

Does anyone have knowledge about these interceptor manholes? Do I have to replace this (he reckons it's cost about 1500). Any chance Thames water will do this?

TranceNRG

Hi ladies/gents, thanks a lot for all your input so far.

So here's an update.

I've been in touch with the loss adjuster (he's coming on Monday to see) and from what he said so far so good in terms of insurance covering the repairs. He wanted another quote so I had a couple of other companies come around and give me quotes. both of these quotes were cheaper than Dyno Rod's but I only forwarded one. One of the guys gave me 2 options - one for relining and the other to dig and replace hte damaged part of the pipe (about 9m) with plastic pipe. According to this guy he'd personally go for the 2nd option but I am not sure which one would be better long term. This option is also couple of hundred pounds cheaper.

If the claim is approved, is it up to to me decide how I get the repairs done? Can I choose the option I want? Will loss adjusters/Insurance come and check the work afterwords/ask for proof? And I get the pipe replaced instead of silica lining will that cause problems with insurance?

thank you.

PS: In your opinion what would be the better option?

marksoton

Personally i'd go with the pipe replacement. Though i'm not quite sure why he's suggesting PE pipe when the existing is clay. Maybe potential root damage...

TranceNRG

marksoton wrote: »

Personally i'd go with the pipe replacement. Though i'm not quite sure why he's suggesting PE pipe when the existing is clay. Maybe potential root damage...

Thanks. Why would you replace it instead of the sleeve? The sleeve method is less disruptive. As for the material of the pipe, he didn't say but I assumed the drain pipes are plastic these days.

If I go for the replacement pipe option instead of lining, will I get in trouble with insurance? Will they come back and inspect the work? Will I have to give them evidence of work carried out?

thanks.

TranceNRG

Hi ladies/gents, the loss adjuster came today (seemed like a nice chap) and said the claim has been approved. Now I'm wondering whether to get the defective part of the pipe (about 8m) replaced or get the pipe relined? The costs are similar for the 2 options and money is not an issue anyway since the claim has been approved. Loss adjuster reckons it's up to me who I choose for the repairs and how I get it done (obviously within the allowed limit plus I have to show invoice).

Since there is nothing in the garden at the moment (my Landscape gardner cleared it and prepared for teh new lawn) digging is not an issue.

Is getting a plastic pipe for the defective part (it will have joins though) a better option than relining it (and no joints). I get a 10 year guarantee with the relining option.

Appreciate your input.

Edit - claim is for accidental damage and not subsidence