"Upgrade" the insurance solution by paying part ourself? (home insurance, burglary)

andre_xs

Dear All,
maybe this is a silly idea:
We had a burglary and they damaged the front door. Today the person from the window company was here to inspect it and said they'll probably repair the door and not replace it.

However, the door is pretty old, so we were wondering whether we could get the door replaced, and the insurance contributes what they would have paid for the repair and we pay the rest?

Is that a common thing to do or a pretty strange request?

What would be the best way to approach this, just call the insurance? I'm not sure what the next steps are, the person from the window company mentioned they'll pass on the details to the insurer who'll make the decision what/how to repair or replace. Will we be informed in-between?

Best wishes,

Andre

born_again

If you are not claiming for anything else, might be cheaper to just pay yourself.
If claiming for other items that let the ins co sort it for you. 

TSx

This is very common - they may give you the option of choosing something different and paying the difference if they're carrying out the work, or of receiving a cash settlement for the repairs and doing whatever you like with it. It is worth letting the Insurer know that's what you are planning so they can note their file.