Advice needed regarding insurance work

[Ellen Rhodes]

If you have been tasked with employing am electrician by your insurance, then make sure you get someone reputable, preferably someone who is registered with one of the CP Schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT) there are many to chose from, the bloke who gave you the quote sounds like a Jack the Lad type, cables around the outside of the house my foot.

We haven’t had a choice in who does the work up to now, it’s just who the insurance have sent but I will be asking to bring in my own trades after this, I’ve just had enough of being patronised and being given ridiculous solutions like this one!

 

[The Ghost]

For what it is worth the cable used for ring circuits (which I presume you would have) are not suitable for external environments (while they are used outside and no apparent degradation has occurred noted!) notably UV. As well the possibility of damage to the cables is an unacceptable risk. Assuming your house is an ordinary house it is usually as easy to install the cable safely inside as outside. If you get into a dispute with the insurers maybe you might like to post some pictures of the proposed routes and the main switch box so that you can get further ammunition for same.

 

[Devonchris]

I would seriously consider getting yourself a loss assessor to act on your behalf. You should be able to add the cost to your claim. Do a search in your area and ring a couple for advice and information first.

See below for difference between adjuster and assessor.

• Loss Adjusters are employed by the insurance company but they are supposed to remain independent.

• Loss Assessors work for you, the policyholder. They are independent professionals who are employed by you to protect your interests.

A Loss Adjuster’s job is to adjust the claim presented to them by the policyholder or their Loss Assessor. The Loss Adjuster is paid by the insurer to decide what will be paid for – and what will not.

An independent Loss Assessor, such as Morgan Clark, will take over the responsibility to compile and present your insurance claim. We will deal with the insurer’s Loss Adjuster on your behalf, and will protect your interests every step of the way so you receive the very best settlement under the terms of your insurance policy.

Good luck and don't compromise. You want like for like, not just for the electric, that's why you paid the insurance.

 

[dave274]

I don't know how big your house is but you could probably get the whole thing rewired for not much over three grand, not just the kitchen. They're trying to rip the insurance company off by charging £3000 for what is going to be a days work for two of them.

 

[Ellen Rhodes]

I don't know how big your house is but you could probably get the whole thing rewired for not much over three grand, not just the kitchen. They're trying to rip the insurance company off by charging £3000 for what is going to be a days work for two of them.

That was my worry. It’s not a big house, it’s an old terraced pit cottage, two up, two down with an extension for the the kitchen and bathroom.

 

[dave274]

A lot of companies put in inflated prices for insurance work because the insurance companies would rip everyone off at every opportunity. Just tell the insurers you're not happy with the proposed work and get someone else in. Id be happy to quote for the work when you've sorted it out with the insurers.

 

[Ellen Rhodes]

A lot of companies put in inflated prices for insurance work because the insurance companies would rip everyone off at every opportunity. Just tell the insurers you're not happy with the proposed work and get someone else in. Id be happy to quote for the work when you've sorted it out with the insurers.

I’ve told them I’m not happy, I’m just waiting to hear back from them.

 

[SJD]

I agree with Devonchris, you need a loss adjuster or similar working for you.

There are companies who specialise in making sure the damage is repaired to the original standard, and will deal with insurers on your behalf. Furthermore, you can get their fees added to the claim, it need not cost you anything to do this. Look up "Buildings Insurance Claims Specialists".

 

[Midwest]

We haven’t had a choice in who does the work up to now, it’s just who the insurance have sent but I will be asking to bring in my own trades after this, I’ve just had enough of being patronised and being given ridiculous solutions like this one!

My neighbour had some refurbishment done after a water leak (faulty pressure tank). It happened soon after the whole house had been renovated. He tried to reuse the previous trades, and had a long running argument/discussion on the subject with the insurance company. He gave up in the end, and used the company that the insurance company wanted to use. Fortunately, they weren't too bad.

 

[Ellen Rhodes]

You’re never going to believe the conversation I’ve just had.
Apparently, the reason they wanted to drill holes in my house and run unsightly cabling around the outside of it is because they didn’t want to move a couple of wardrobes upstairs and clear a path. This is seriously the kind of idiot I’m working with here. I’ve told them
I will clear a path tomorrow and they’ve agreed to be there Monday morning.
FFS!!!

 

[Midwest]

To be fair, I would ask you to move the furniture as well. But you doing that is a lot less hassle than running the stuff on outside walls, can't think why the sparks didn't think of that earlier.

 

[Ellen Rhodes]

To be fair, I would ask you to move the furniture as well. But you doing that is a lot less hassle than running the stuff on outside walls, can't think why the sparks didn't think of that earlier.

I wouldn’t expect anyone to be lugging my furniture around, I was fully prepared to be doing that. They never even saw clearing a path so they could do a proper job as a bloody option.

 

[plugsandsparks]

You just have to keep a log of all this, its going the way of a farce.

 

[FatAlan]

Have they actually tested your existing installation? It may not comply with current regs but the damage could just be limited to the socket.