House Insurance Claim

jaxy999

hi all, I'm looking for some information re claiming under the house insurance policy. Basically, my parents house need's to be replumbed because there is a leak somewhere underground and as a result the whole house is damp with peeling wall's etc etc. The plumbing system is 30 years old & is shot.

There are also problems with the central heating, hot & cold water systems, basically everything. Anyway's they've sent in the plumber's estimate to the insurance co. for all the work he'll have to do .

My question is, regarding new flooring that's they'll have to get coz he will have to rip up the carpet in the hall, and the wall's may need to be re plastered & painted, so do they submit an estimate from a plasterer & painter for this section?? What is the normal scenario?

tomcollins97

Just curious, how can you claim for dodgy plumbing that should have been fixed years ago?

jaxy999

The problem only became noticeable last Autumn due to the dampness. If it should have been fixed 'years ago' it certainly wasn't obvious - they're getting it sorted now sure, well that's if they can claim on the insurance otherwise they'll be getting hotwater bottles for the winter & boiling kettles of water to do the washing, in these recessionary times money is tight :mad:. There is NO false claims going here if that's what my post might have inadverntly conveyed to ppl.

THe copper pipe's are corroded, hence the leaks, and there's water flowing into some tank in the attic the whole time because of the leaks, or something, I probably have this ar*se way's round

R169

You cant claim for something that has simply broken down over time. General 'wear & tear' is excluded under all household policies. There is nothing in your op that suggests that this could be an insurance claim.

tomcollins97

I'm very curious to see how you get on with this claim.

oldyouth

Without seeing the house, I'd have to say my initial thoughts are that you don't really have much chance of success. Two things come in to play here. Firstly, you policy covers damage caused by the bursting or escape of water and wouldn't cover the cost of replacing defective piping. Secondly, the damage to walls, flooring etc appears to be a gradually operating cause, which effectively means that constant exposure to dripping water is not covered but if one sudden and unforseen event causes damage, it would be. The fact that you noticed it last Autumn and left it continue until now will only back up their case

Leave it to insurers but I would think they will come back and say it is maintenance, which is not covered