DRAINS

[geoffreyroe]

I have been at my current property for some 4 years (an old farmhouse), i have recently been having problems with the drains blocking etc,

My drainage contracton has advised that they can claim through my household insurance policy for the works required.

I wonder if any members know of any downsides to this,

Not having ever claimed on my insurance i wonder if my premuims will rocket in the following years (the works required could be fairly extensive)?

 

[grays85]

hi, there will normally be an excess to pay.. it doesn't normally affect the premiums when you make a claim. If your worried get a quote for the work to see if you can avoid making a claim...

cheers

 

[Nemesis]

I'm a little puzzled by this.

Contractors don't claim on insurance - the policy holder does.

It may be that whatever is wrong isn't covered anyhow - such things as wear and tear aren't.

Whenever I've had an insurance claim I've contacted the insurers first and discussed it - and it's usual to get a range of quotes to send, not simply one contractor.

 

[Lime]

I'm a little puzzled by this.

So am I.

Most "contractors" for drains are rip-off merchants who make a simple job expensive and don't necessarily do the job properly either.
I wouldn't dream of letting them deal with my insurance company.
If they are already talking about money before getting the job done then that is a bad thing in my book.

Your insurance policy document should tell you what you should do and what is expected of you.
If it doesn't tell you then speak to your insurers or brokers about it.
Almost certainly you would benefit by getting at least one other quote and most insurance companies would expect it if they are liable to pay for it.

 

[Nemesis]

I wouldn't dream of letting them deal with my insurance company

.

I can't imagine any insurance company dealing with anyone except the person insured either. And usually you have to have the OK before any work is carried out, at times after a site visit by an assessor.

I hope this isn't a ruse to do the work then land the OP with a large bill...

 

[geoffreyroe]

LARGE DRAIN COMPANYS OFTEN HAVE LOSS ADJUSTERS AND I AM COMFORTABLE WITH THIS, ITS JUST I HAVE NEVER MADE A CLAIM ON MY INSURANCE BEFORE (LET ALONE A LARGE CLAIM) AND WAS WORRIED ON ANY POSSIBLE HIKE IN PREMIUMS OR ANY OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

 

[Penners]

Geoffrey - best not to use capitals, please. It's rather uncomfortable to read, and is rather like shouting!

Making a legitimate claim on your household insurance shouldn't cause any significant hike in your premiums, provided you don't make a habit of it. And provided you're insured with a respectable company.

 

[Nemesis]

There may be a sum to be paid - as with many car insurances, the first xxxx number of pounds to be paid by the policy holder,and there may also be a hike in premiums for a claim. Some companies do give a no claims bonus.

How much depends on many variables.

I would still urge that the insurance company is contacted by the policyholder before any work commences, having had claims over the years that's the way they tend to like to operate.

 

[chuckey]

Don't want to p**s you off, but a similar thing happened to some one I knew. Turned out the fault was off his property on an unadopted road, had to pay £1100 (1975 ish).
Frank

 

[Raylea]

When we claimed for repairs to our roof, when we had the high winds back in January, as Nemesis has pointed out the policyholder makes the claim and they like you to get more then one quote (value for money I suspect). Our premiums did not go up, when we have had the policy for a year it will go up by £7 a month.

Raylea