Replacing smoke damaged goods

littlerock

Following on from earlier posts, contents assessors have been in, assessing damage to goods stored in our loft. Pretty much written it all off due to smoke damage. This includes all our luggage which was stored there and ranged from two nearly new 4 wheel spinner cases to a couple of old 2 wheeler types airline cases plus a range of holdalls and a large backpack. (We travel quite a lot.) (They were all photographed by the assessors.)

Obviously we need to replace the luggage, and urgently, as we need to pack this weekend to move into temporary accommodation. Our contents are insured with LV.. I have looked at policy document and it says --if loss or damage is covered by this insurance we will agree with you whether to

arrange for repair or replacement with one of our suppliers
or pay the cost of repair or replacement
or make a cash payment

There is no mention of like for like replacement or new for o!d or any such wording. Or what happens to replacing written off used items This must happen a lot though after say floods.

Their loss assessor says our loft contents are a write off due to smoke damage (and cellar contents are a write off due to Water damage). As lots of the stuff stored in both was hobby stuff, computer games, books, Lego, fabrics and supplies for quilting etc , I imagine we will have to agree a cash amount in due course.

But luggage is a bit different. I need it now to pack to move into temporary accomodation. Loss assessor insisted on writing off all our luggage yesterday and threw it out. Said it was unusable due to smoke odour. How do I get it replaced in advance of settling main claim. ?

rs65

littlerock wrote: »

But luggage is a bit different. I need it now to pack to move into temporary accomodation. Loss assessor insisted on writing off all our luggage yesterday and threw it out. Said it was unusable due to smoke odour. How do I get it replaced in advance of settling main claim. ?

Ask them to replace the cases now ….. or use boxes

littlerock

Loss adjuster has said I can have an emergency loan against final settlement of contents to cover purchase of new luggage. (Just have to hope this is not yet another item deducted from my alternative accomodation allowance......,) I have more than sufficient contents insurance.

The trouble is no one tells you any of these details. And it is not written down anywhere. Even the policy details are surprisingly non specific. You have to find it all out for yourself.

sal_III

Just buy a couple of cheap duffel bags and a roll of sturdy plastic bags for like £50 total to facilitate the move to temporary accommodations. You don't have to replace the actual suitcases at this stage unless you are actually travelling somewhere.

sheramber

Why do you need suitcases?

Clothes can be out in boxes. When we moved we got boxes that had hangers in them like a wardrobe.