How do Insurance company's work....?

[ummmm]

We had a flood a few weeks back. Phoned insurance. They sent out a structural loss adjuster. He advised that we need both upstairs and downstairs ceilings replacing in the hall.

The bloke who came round didn't deal with the contents side of things.

We were told by the insurance company to get quotes for the carpets and if it was going to be over £750 to send in two quotes.

We have just received a cheque for £930.04....and we haven't put in any quotes.

So I'm actually wondering....do they actually arrange for the work to be done or have they sent out a cheque expecting us to arrange it?

Doesn't make sense...

[redcrx]

That seems very odd as they would usually contact you with an offer of payment before sending a cheque out even then.
I would suggest you call them for clarification

[ummmm]

I would expect them to arrange for their own workmen to fix the ceilings. The took a sample from the ceiling to test for asbestos...which came back clear. So I was expecting a letter to tell us when work could start.

[bednobs]

it depends on what insurance co it is. Ours expected us to get quotes and have the work done ourselves, and sent us cheques in the companies names

[ummmm]

That's my point bednobs....we haven't sent in any quotes yet. The only person that's been round is the bloke that they sent.

[bednobs]

what's up with just ringing them?

[ummmm]

I will do....when OH gets home. Insurance is in his name.

[ummmm]

Found it....In the letter from the 'independent consultants' it says something about calculating repairs at the currents market rates and they will inform our insurance company. So, looks like we have to arrange our own repair :-(

[bednobs]

well that might work to your advantage. If you can get someone to repair it for less than £930 you could make money

[ummmm]

I thought it'd cost more than that :-/

Fingers crossed...

[boxtops]

It would be very unusual, IMO, for them to send someone to actually undertake the work. They'd expect you to sort that yourself.

[TOWIE]

It used to be the norm that you got 3 quotes and the insurance company would choose the cheapest one. Though nowdays, the insurance companies normally have their own contacts who will carry out the work. Like if you wanted a new cooker, fridge etc, they would tell you what companies/shops they deal with, and you would have to go to them.

My friend had a similar situation a couple of years ago, downstairs ceilings and upstairs floors had to be replaced after flood in bathroom. Insurance company made assessments and used their contractors - even carpets had to be replaced and my friend was told what companies she could go to. I think why this is done now, is because years ago people would make on the deal, by putting in false estimates and actually getting work done cheaper.

[ummmm]

Looks like the independent consultant that came out has estimated a price...and that's what we've been sent. And we're left to decide what to do...

The carpets are a separate issue as they are not structural...obviously. I don't care where I buy those...