Escape of water - claim question

Lat

5 weeks ago we have noticed a leak from upstairs shower after it got worse and started to leak to downstairs.
I have immediately contacted local repairman who manager to stop the leak after pulling out the shower tray. I was told that it is best to get the insurance involved as the damage was quite intensive.
Not only the wall and floor tiles in the upstairs bathroom requires replacing, but the downstairs walls and laminate floor also needs to be replaced.
(They have sent a third party to install several drying equipment which consist of heather and dehumidifiers. They have also opened holes in the walls and also removed part of laminate flooring for drying equipment to work.)
Also worth mentioning that I had to pay £750 excess fee.
Drying equipment have been running for the past 3 weeks and was told that the insurance will also pay for the electricity used!

After 3 weeks, 3rd party reported back that the walls were now dry enough and reported this back to the insurance company.

Earlier this week, I have heard back from my insurance company saying that they were going to offer me just over £2000 which in no way sounds enough to repair/replace the damage.

I have not yet replied back, mainly because I don't know what my rights are. Can I push back and say this is not enough? Can I ask for a break down of all costs?

FutureGirl

I would get your own quote first to see if it's enough money to do the reinstatement works. If not, then send the quote to the insurers.

dacouch

FutureGirl wrote: »

I would get your own quote first to see if it's enough money to do the reinstatement works. If not, then send the quote to the insurers.

Further to FG's advice, is the £2000 you have been offered net of your £750 excess or will your excess be deducted

paddyandstumpy

They will either have offered you that based on a quote from a tradesman, or using their matrix costing the repair, based on what you said the damage is.

As above, get a quote and push back if it's insufficient.

Bear in mind though, if they offer you £2,000 that means they think the claim is worth £2,750 ad you've said in your OP your excess is £750 (which is quite high!!).

Blibble

Can they not just repair the damage without a cash settlement? Any cash settlement they offer may be at their supplier price which may be a discount on retail.

Lat

Thanks for all the replies.
I have already paid them the excess right before they installed all the equipment else they would not proceed.

Since the offer, I have not been in touch with them as their email was asking me for my bank details so they can submit the payment.

I wanted to see what my options were before moving forward as I have never made a claim previously ever.

As recommended, I will get my own quote, probably from multiple builders and also I will try and speak to them to see if I can get them to do the repairs instead.

xMonsoonx

Bare in mind unless you have taken out a premier type policy, the insurance settlement will only cover the damage caused by the water, it will not cover undamaged items like wall tiles etc.

Ask them for a scope of works and get quotes from a local contractor, or just ask them to do the repairs for you.