House Insurance claim advice.

[squirtle]

I have recently claimed for accidental damage in our house because an overflowing tap in the bathroom (for about 2 hours) had flooded the bathroom and was pouring out of the light fittings in the kitchen. It also soaked right under into the back bedroom and landing. There was about 2 inches of water standing on the kitchen floor.

I am gutted, but have to get on with things - its a nightmare trying to get estimates here n there so as to return the house to its original state (which was newly painted i may add having had a week off work to do it!!!)

Anyhow i haven't had a lot of guidance from the insurance company, however they have answered my questions.

What i woundered was what if my estimates for the work from local contractors are deemed too high from the insurers. Having never had to get any of the work done before.....eg, painter and decorator to repaint and builder to renew floors.....................i have no reference as to whether the estimates they have given me are going to be acceptable.

A guy came round as an assessor (property restorer) and left some dehumidifiers etc, but i really feel like i have been left to my own devices........

Has anyone any experiences they can share or any advice.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

it will take a while for them to sort it all out,remember the people who were all flooded out last year,that took over a year to be done,a lot of insurance companies now use their own workman to do all the things you need doing,just keep on at them,ring them every week.

[squirtle]

normanthedog

thanks for your reply, and sorry but have been offline all weekend. I guess i will have to be patient and remain calm as I know nothing will happen overnight.

[woozer]

Hi - I hope your insurance company has been of more help by now . But incase you are still worrying always
1.Take photos of the damage unless the insurers send someone round to inspect it
2. Get at least two estimates for the repairs and replacements and submit them to the insurers for approval (keep copies) . I would imagine that the assessor who has been round would have given your insurers an idea of what he thinks the final costs will be so if you fax your estimates over and then ring after a day or two you should get a go ahead.
3. Like the other chap said, keep ringing - be polite but perisistent and it should pay off eventually.

If you have a broker go and sit inhis office until he gets it sorted for you