Escape of water - alternative accomodation

AutumnRose26

Hello,
On Monday the main water pipe under our bath leaked causing mains pressure water to leak through our living room ceiling.
It has caused extensive damage to the ceiling, walls and carpet in our living room and hallway. The house now smells and is very damp.
An assessor appointed by my home insurer came out this morning and has said that drying equipment is needed and someone will call me to arrange them coming in.


I have tried to get alternative accommodation from my insurer but they have said they will not cover this because upstairs is not affected and we have a working kitchen and bathroom.


I have a 10 month old daughter and I have told them I don't feel it is safe having a 10 month old baby in an extremely damp house. She crawls everywhere and the downstairs carpet is sodden, so we can't let her downstairs and there is also going to be bulky drying equipment installed soon.


I have told the insurers the above and they are still saying we can't have alternative accommodation. At the moment we are living out of my mother in laws living room.


Does anyone know if we have any grounds for fighting for accommodation?


Thanks.

paddyandstumpy

It sounds like part of your home is habitable, if you have working facilities there is normally no scope for alt accomo cover.

However, all you can do is raise a formal complaint and escalate it to the FOS after 8 weeks (or if you don't like their final decision).

Blibble

Does your policy set out criteria for when alternative accommodation would be granted to refer to?

Are there still cooking facilities within the property?