Alternative accommodation

Alan_p_3

Sorry Quentin, I didnt see your post, I was replying to unforseen.

I suppose I should request the full policy wording

Owain_Moneysaver

the alternative accommodation should be comparable to the insured property - and should enable the consumer and their family to continue their normal work and leisure pursuits as easily and comfortably as possible

https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/household-insurance-repairs.html#alternativeaccommodation

You need to go through your insurance company's complaints procedure and show that what they have offered you is not comparable and why it would stop you continuing your normal work and leisure pursuits, i.e. why you actually need the extra space and how often.

Your insurer should have given you a claim manager to manage your claim and that is the person you should deal with - ignore the loss adjuster, they're paid by the insurance company to try and minimise the amount of claim.

Alan_p_3

Thanks Owain,
All useful info. We definitely haven't been given a claims manager, in fact the loss adjuster keeps telling us she is our only point of contact!

darkrain

I am 7 months into a claim for fire damage and am tearing my hair out dealing with the loss adjuster so I sympathize wholeheartedly.

I am learning as I go, and there doesn't seem to be much helpful info out there, just a few dribs and drabs very widely scattered.

here is my take on a few things, hope it helps:
loss adjuster - appointed by insurers to work for both you and the insurers, they are supposed to be impartial (supposed being the operative word).
loss assessor (optional) - works for you to make sure that you get all that you are entitled to, they will deal with the loss adjuster for you and they are well versed with what you can and cannot claim. The loss adjuster is less likely to try and fob off or pull the wool over their eyes as they actually have a clue (unlike me).

I thought that all loss assessors took a percentage leaving a shortage of cash for repairs but I recently saw one (sorry, can't remember name} that worked for free providing they managed and contracted the repairs. I so wish I had seen them months ago.

Also, if they give you a timeframe for completion - double it!

edited to add
during the heatwave a van which was parked on a dirt road which runs behind my rear boundary spontaneously combusted setting light to my fence, the fire quickly spread to the rear of my property and destroyed the back walls, patio doors, windows and roof. Internally some fire damage to walls but also water damage from fire hoses.