Claim Advice - Damage to Property - Loss Adjuster Issues

ZZ_One12

Hi 

A few months ago while moving home, the removal company damaged my external garden wall and railings with their vehicle. They referred the incident to their van insurance company who have subsequently appointed a loss adjuster. 

For context: the wall is sandstone and the gate/railings are the original cast iron, approx. 150 years old. 

I was asked to get one itemised quote which I did and then submitted this to the insurance company/loss adjuster. I used a specialist in this type of work, given the heritage of the building and the need for it to be reinstated properly and in keeping with the rest of the street. The contractor said usually they would completely replace the railings and wall, however they offered to quote using some of the existing materials - which will obviously save the insurance company in cost. 

The loss adjuster appointed a surveyor and initially came back with a lowball offer. I declined this and they made a revised offer. 

The revised offer is still only 65% of the total cost of the repairs.

Is this type of thing commonplace? Any advice on dealing with the loss adjuster would be appreciated as this a first for me. We are looking to have the repairs done. The insurance company has also offered their builder to carry out repairs, however they did agree to my desire for a specialist to carry out this work instead. 

Thanks in advance! 

DullGreyGuy

Have you just had one specialists quote or more than one?

What is the scope of the work? What is often an issue in cases like this is that, for example, 1m was knocked down and a further 1m shows disturbance but the quote provided by the claimant is to replace the full 5m wall which the insurer will dispute saying they only damaged 2m and so offer 40% of the quote. 

It's worth asking if they'll explain the basis of their offer, or what's wrong with the quote provided. If you know its the estimated number of hours or the hourly rate or materials needed then it may give you more to go on

ZZ_One12

@DullGreyGuy thanks for your response. 

The impact has pulled the whole wall out of line, buckled the railings and gate across a 5m stretch. There are hollow sections where the stone has crumbled and is unusable throughout the 5m stretch. 

I was asked to get one quote for the works so I got a quote from a stonemason and also a blacksmith who will both complete the work. They are independent companies but both are required for the repairs. They both agree on the extend of repairs required. One has even offered to reuse some of the railings section and noted this in their quote in keeping costs down. 

They have indicated that it is the time given for the repair and labour rates which are 'slightly' high. 

 

DullGreyGuy

So just the one quote basically? For a start get a second quote from different people. 

You may be willing to add some extra money for the labour to get these people rather than regular builders for your own preference. You could however point out that the insurer thinks their time estimates are excessive and either they may reduce it or they may provide you with a breakdown to justify it which you can then forward to the loss adjuster.