some advice please escape of water

chrisandrob

We went out for the day on Friday morning
The water was off in town when we left due to a bust pipe somewhere
When we got back 13 hours later house was flooded,ceiling down carpets soaked etc etc .
Seems 1 of the girls left the tap eon and a flannel in the sink
I phoned Norwich Union straight away and someone called the next day Sataurday to make the house safe
Have phoned to no avail today as closed but did manage to get in touch with the company who will be dealing with us who will send some one out tomorrow a surveyor they said
can anyone tell me what I should be doing ie...making lists of damaged items and what the next steps will be .....all new to me you see
any info would be great
we have Nunions standard contents with no accidental damage ,will I be covered OK
Thanks so much

Oscar_The_Grouch

Hi There

Seeing as you say you have contents insurance, I assume that means you rent the property. If so, you need to let your landlord know about the accident as they may need to make a claim on their insurance for any damage to the buildings. If not, let your buildings insurers know and tell them who Norwich Union are sending round to see you, as they may be able to use the same firm.

Ok, first thing you need to remember is that you have a duty under the terms of the policy to keep your losses to a minimum. You also have to prove your loss. On that basis:

1. Don't throw anything away until it has been agreed and listed by the insurer and they say it is ok to get rid of it. If possible, get their ok in writing. The person coming to visit you should be able to scribble something on your list (see 2 below)
2. Make a list of everything that is damaged (however small, they all add up) and give a copy to the person that comes to see you. Keep the original.
3. Check what you are entitled to under the terms of the policy. Most items will be covered on a "new for old" basis, meaning your insurer will either replace them or pay for them to be repaired/replaced. Clothing and linen is often subject to a deduction for wear and tear, so expect them to knock off a bit for anything like towels that have been damaged (and make sure you claim for any towels you used to dry up the water if they do not wash clean).
4. If the insurers instal drying equipment, you are entitled to claim the cost of the electricity back. Ask the company that instals it to give you the costings.
5. Don't even think of adding in anything that was not damaged in the accident. If the insurers find out, you don't get anything for this claim, have your policy cancelled with no refund in premium and will not be able to get cover elsewhere.

The peril "Escape of Water" covers you for damage caused by water coming out of a "fixed installation" which would include a sink. On that basis, even though the claim is an accident, you will be insured.

The person coming to see you tomorrow should be able to let you know what is going to happen with the claim from now on. The company I work for would discuss what is best for you (cash or replacement) and usually go with what you want, but I don't work for NU!!.

All the best.