Landlord insurance claim - yes or no?

Crosby

Good day everyone. I have a question regarding how to recoup some financial losses after the tenant eviction. 

Malicious damage by tenants - i have a LL insurance cover for 2.5k which will cover the cost of replacement of back patio door which is broken beyond repair (yes/no?) 
Small damages to property - marks, scuffs, broken internal doors, broken kitchen appliances, damaged countertops etc - not sure if i can get one invoice for these types of things, if i do it will be a collection of small bits and pieces from the tradesmen. Total repaint of the whole house i have a quote already for over 3k - once i add all these up i will exceed the cover, but is it worth putting the claim in anyway?
legal expenses - eviction fees (solicitor) yes/no? I believe so as i have legal expense cover on LL insurance. 

Tenant default is not included which means i am not able to claim rent arrears (around 5k), i am hoping i will claim part of this from deposit but the estate agents are holding onto it as the tenant is disputing and want the deposit back 

If i am successful then am I right i thinking i will not be allowed to put all the above on my tax return? or do i declare the expenses, plus financial income from insurers less excess etc etc etc?

thanks in advance

anselld

It sounds like it is worth claiming whatever you can from the insurance if it meets the policy criteria and yes claim the deposit.  Any other repairs and bad debt which are not covered by insurance or deposit can be deducted as a cost on the tax return.

dimbo61

You may well find your Landlord insurance premium has doubled or tripled  when the LL insurance is due next time if you claim.
You may even find it very difficult to get any Landlord insurance 
I don't know how long the tenants lived in the property but maybe time for a full refurbishment and updated electrics, insulation,  fire safety , etc

Crosby

dimbo61 said:

You may well find your Landlord insurance premium has doubled or tripled  when the LL insurance is due next time if you claim.
You may even find it very difficult to get any Landlord insurance 
I don't know how long the tenants lived in the property but maybe time for a full refurbishment and updated electrics, insulation,  fire safety , etc

thank you. They lived there for 3 years and electrics have been checked and regularly updated (including the new board etc) but indeed there will be a full refurbishment to the property. 

However, are you saying that i shouldnt claim on LL insurance in the fear that i might not get a cover in the future, this doesnt seem right, otherwise noone would ever claim and then whats the purpose of having an insurance then? I am aware of the potential increase in premium yes

DullGreyGuy

Sounds like you have already evicted and therefore probably too late to make a claim on the Legal Expenses cover... generally you need to engage them before starting legal action and either 1) use their panel solicitors or 2) have your solicitors agree to the insurers terms (which tend to be harsh and many law firms wont)