Tuesday 1 December 2009

Insurance Companies

My mum's bathroom is no longer. It is a shell. A serious leak developed on Saturday and finally it has been identified as a leaking pipe under the bath. The damage is very serious. The bathroom is now gutted. She has insurance of course, but predictably the insurance company is already starting to play hard ball. Such as ' ....well just because she has no running water, no toilet, no bathroom facilities.... doesn't mean the place is uninhabitable does it?'.
I ask you. Not to mention the fact that the hall is ripped up and soaking?
The builders have said all the fittings are damaged and can't be replaced. The insurance company are saying they want proof.
Looks like its going to be a long week folks. I'll keep you posted.
I have had much unpleasant experience with insurance companies. I have an extremely low opinion of them. Nothing that has happened today has improved it thus far.
I don't want anything special. Just fairness. Just what has been paid for. Courtesy and helpfulness would be great ( but unlikely).
I feel so sorry for anyone who has been badly flooded and who is dealing with them now.
If anyone out there in the UK has a recommendation of a good insurer please let me know.

10 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

We as the general public hardly ever wins when it comes to insurance...they make you jump through hoops for the things they promised to do when they collected our check!!!!
Good luck, Suz

Gberger said...

That is rotten of the insurance company. Times like this are the reason we purchase insurance in the first place! I am so very sorry that your mum has to deal with this nastiness. Is she able to move to a hotel, or move in with you, for the time being? The insurance company should reimburse her, if she has to move out while they drag their feet over this.

I am terribly sorry about the flooding. It sounds just awful. I pray God's blessings - and whatever help is needed - for everyone affected.

l'optimiste said...

a 'good' insurer?? surely that is a contradiction in terms?

I could write reams of blistering abuse about insurance companies...I have a personal hangup about [read hatred of] them...but I won't. Suffice to say, you are not alone in your frustration. I am sure that doesn't help.

I hope they manage to see the light before Christmas for your poor Mum.

Perhaps 'they' all live in homes with no running water etc.? You think? Grr - insurance...

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Ugh, my sympathies! Hope you get something done with minimal gnashing of teeth and threats.

Thanks for your get well wishes. I've decided that I might just live, lol. ;o)

Hugs,

Diane

Loopin said...

Insurance is one of those things you wish you could do without - because of the stress and hassle they add to your life.

Fingers crossed the insurer will show a human side and be fair and reasonable.

When I flooded my kitchen, my insurers were actually pretty decent - Endsleigh (started with them as a student, and have kept going back to them since).

Suburbia said...

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:)

Maggie May said...

Insurances are expensive. You would at least think that they would pay up when necessary. It is bad enough to get a flood in the first place without all this hassle.

Nuts in May

Carole Burant said...

We pay monthly for insurance coverage but whenever something happens that we need that insurance, they give us a hard time. I think it's pretty much the same the world over. Like you, I don't care for insurance companies either! lol

Gill - That British Woman said...

I totally agree with Busy Bee Suz, but have to add, we end up paying for the claim in increased rates for many years to come.

I hope your mother gets it all sorted out soon.

Gill in Canada

Sam said...

When arranging your home insurance, use a small local broker, who will recommend a reputable company.
If you have problems with a claim, the broker will help you out.